Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Smoke curled and billowed over the treetops, tainting the once-blue sky with its black smog. Once fresh, the air was sour, searing your lungs with each inhale. Raw and bone-chilling screams filled the once quaint village as people scrambled toward the forest.

A growl rippled through the air, cutting through the panic as a blur rushed toward those unfortunate enough to be caught in its inky maw. It was relentless, the creature only looking for blood as its victims' shouts cut off with a sickly snap. With an outstretched hand, an avalanche of ice stopped the shadow in its tracks, melting back into the ground from whence it came.

Blood slowly trailed down the length of your arm, falling from your fingertips to the dirt below you. It took effort to breathe as the onslaught of shadows rushed forward, not relenting for even a moment. Your body screams in protest with every dodge and strike, but you forcefully ignore its desperate pleas.

Barely, you roll out of the way, heart pounding in your chest as a wall of shadows shoots past, the black tendrils grazing your skin like icy fingertips. Struggling to stay on your feet, you groan. The sword in your hand felt heavy in your grip, the aura of blue magic surrounding the blade dimming with each passing moment.

Your throat tightened as a black shadow rushed toward you, the pure magic sickeningly suffocating. Quickly, you raised the sword, the blade pulsating with a vibrant, cerulean glow as it clashed with another. Shakily, your eyes raised to meet those of pure darkness, the eyes of the man you hated with every inch of your soul.

With a snarl, you pushed him back. Your chest constricting and twisting as your soul hummed.  A powerful stream of water shot toward him in a sudden burst of magic, the liquid moving faster than a bullet. But the ever-elusive male easily sidestepped the attack, a wicked grin playing on his lips. He moved with a fluidity that almost seemed inhuman, his demeanor bordering on amusement.

"Is that all you've got, my dear?" he taunted, his voice a sinister purr. "You'll have to do better than that to defeat me."

Your eyes flashed, your iris glowing a brilliant blue. Summoning the last reserves of your strength, you lunged forward once more. Both of your blades connect, the vibration reverberating through your arms. With a twist of your wrist, you shifted his dark blade to the ground. Quickly, you darted past his defenses, determination etched across your face. The lives of everyone you loved, of the whole world, lay on your shoulders, and you weren't going down without a fight.

Summoning water once more, you channeled your anguish and anger into your power, forcing the liquid to transform into deadly ice as it hurtled toward him. Without even a blink of effort, he fell into the shadows below him, the ice landing where he once was.

"Such resolve," he mused, his voice dripping with mockery. "But you're fighting a losing battle. I will always win." He growled, his magic spiking as he darted toward you, and this time you were too slow.

A wave of shadows surged forward, slamming into you with a sickening crack. Your body flew, skidding against the broken terrain before stopping as you collided with stone. All you felt was an overwhelming, searing pain coursing through every fiber of your being. You couldn't think, your body screaming in agony.

His cruel laughter seemed to reverberate in your head. A haunting echo as your vision wavered, and you could barely make out the sound of footsteps approaching. With a grunt, you summoned every ounce of remaining strength, attempting to rise again, but you faltered, your body collapsing beneath the weight of exhaustion.

His chilling voice cut through the haze of pain, dripping with malice. "As much as I enjoy this game, [Name], I'm growing tired of this." He approached you, his footsteps echoing like a sinister drumbeat. His cold finger, filled with power, lifted your chin, forcing you to meet his soulless eyes. "Don't be too upset by the loss, little hero. My victory was inevitable. Perhaps you can find solace in the fact you won't be here to witness me destroying this pathetic and cruel world."

His words, laced with cruelty, sent a shiver down your spine. You knew the gravity of the situation. The world as you knew it hung in the balance, and you were on the brink of defeat. Despite that, you still defiantly met his gaze. "I won't let you win." You whispered, your voice a fragile but unwavering thread of resistance.

His cruel grin widened, the malice in his eyes growing as he reveled in your defiance. "Any last words?" he taunted, his power surging as the aura of dark magic engulfed him.

Your eyes fluttered shut, fingers closing around a small, circular object around your neck. Quickly, you whispered an incantation that you had memorized long ago. One you promised you wouldn't use. The man facing you tilted his head, a twisted curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he strained to catch the murmured words.

"What was that?" he wondered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I couldn't quite hear it over your pitiful whimpers."

Swiftly, your eyes snapped open, now a blinding white as the device in your hand unfurled, revealing the ancient magic you had been entrusted with long ago. A brilliant white light radiated from its core as you brought the pocketwatch in front of you, letting it hover in the space that separated you both. Recognition flashed across his face as he recoiled, his shadows quivering in fear or anger you didn’t know.

"No." He whispered. His gaze met yours, his eyes lighting up in fury. "You fool! What have you done? It'll take us both!" he hissed, panic seeping into his voice. You smirked, tasting the sharp tang of iron on your tongue as you dropped the pocketwatch onto the dirt.

"So be it." The watch's glow stopped momentarily, seemingly frozen in time, before a blinding light exploded outward. A sea of pure white magic washed over the both of you, the white void expanding with unstoppable force; the male's enraged screams swallowed by the brilliance.

A relentless pull gripped you, dragging your body across the uneven ground as you were drawn into the swirling portal alongside him. The world blurred into a mesmerizing and disorienting vortex of light and energy. Weightless and powerless, you felt yourself falling, your vision fading as the overwhelming magic consumed you.

In that fleeting moment, the world fell silent, the sensation of falling lingering as your consciousness slipped away, leaving you in the embrace of darkness.

Chapter Text

When consciousness finally returns, the world is a blank canvas of white. At first, you think you are still in the portal, but as your vision gradually sharpens, you realize that it's not magic surrounding you. It's snow. Slowly, you begin to regain feeling in your body, each sensation clawing its way back from the abyss. The familiar bite of cold gnaws at your skin, and you involuntarily shudder, your breath escaping in a visible puff. 

"Where am I?" You mutter, cautiously shifting your body upright. Immediately, you wince, a sharp jolt of pain rushing through you. You wait a moment until the pain subsides, and peeling open your eyes, you look down at yourself.

Scratches and bruises litter your skin, some of the wounds leaving crimson imprints on the pristine snow. While you were concerned by the injuries, you were more confused than anything else. You knew that you should be more than a little cut up. In fact, you were positive you should be dead. 

For a chilling moment, you wondered if you were dead. Cautiously, you turn your head to get a better look at where you are, but immediately, your vision becomes fuzzy as the world swirls into a dizzying blur. A soft groan escapes you as you clutch your head, waiting for your sight to clear.

I'm definitely not dead. You thought as another sharp jolt of pain pulsed through you. If I'm not dead, where am I? A swarm of questions buzzed through your thoughts like a storm, threatening to overwhelm you with its power. Swiftly, you force yourself to slow down as you quickly push down the growing lump in your throat. 

Instincts pounded into you from long ago kick in, and you muster the strength to stand. Or as close to standing as you can get as you lean on a nearby tree for support.  As you calm yourself, take this opportunity to survey your surroundings. There is nothing but snow-covered forest for as far as you can see, which you couldn't see a lot of because of how dark it was, and by the lack of light, you guessed it would be around dusk. 

Instinctively, you look to the sky to confirm your suspicion, only to be met with nothing; there is no sky and no sun. Above, there was only rock and what looked to be glowing gems embedded within it, glittering like stars. A surge of panic courses through your chest, your eyes widening in shock

How is this possible? Where in the world am I? Questions whirl in your mind like a relentless tempest until suddenly; one stops you in your tracks. How will I get back home? 

Your lungs tighten in realization, your body feeling much heavier as you slump against the cold bark underneath you. Your thoughts suddenly feel sober, as if a bucket of ice-cold water was dumped onto your head. This wasn't your world. In fact, you weren't even in the same dimension anymore. You were trapped, far from home, and unable ever to return. You stifle the growing hot tears in your eyes. Your friends. Your family. You'd never see them again. 

With much effort, you manage to push down your emotions, redirecting your focus to the task at hand. You needed to find shelter and perhaps a healer if such beings existed in this strange place. Though your injuries are somehow not as life-threatening as before, the wounds on your body still bleed, and you weren't sure how much more blood you could afford to lose.

A sudden glint of metal in the snow caught your attention, and slowly, you pulled yourself off the tree. As you reached down, your hands, slightly trembling, closed around the familiar shape of the once-functional device. It was the pocket watch, the very one that had banished you here.

Upon a closer look, you discovered that the hands in the clock didn't move, remaining frozen and silent no matter how much you shook it. The glass was covered in a network of cracks, leaving the device useless. Even the magic that had once pulsed within the timepiece had faded, leaving only a faint echo of its former power.

Frustration welled up within you as you cradled the broken watch in your hands, your grip tightening for a moment. With a resigned sigh, you kept it close, placing the damaged object around your neck once more. A chill breeze rushed past your cheeks as your shivers intensified. Unfortunately, your outfit is useless in these freezing conditions, and quickly, you wrap your arms around yourself in a feeble attempt to conserve warmth.

With a shaky inhale, you compel yourself to move forward, your steps heavy as you trudge through the pristine white powder. You don't have a clear destination in mind, but you figure that as long as you move, not only will you generate some much-needed warmth, but you might also stumble upon a town or even another person if luck is on your side. 

*          *          *          *          * 

Without the sun to measure time, you have no idea how long you've been walking. Surprisingly, the fog in your brain begins to lift ever so slightly. Despite this, you still lack the energy to manipulate the snow away from you, and you figured you wouldn't even be able to summon your sword if you needed it. 

You grunt in frustration, hating the feeling of being so disconnected from your element. Teeth clank together as you rub your arms vigorously in an attempt to generate warmth, and you sigh. With each passing moment, the hope of stumbling upon any type of civilization fades, replaced by the haunting thought that this universe might be nothing more than a desolate, frozen wasteland.

The silence weighs on you, making the landscape seem even more hellish than before. Maybe this was your punishment for activating the forbidden spell in the first place. What if I'm doomed to wander until I die? You thought.

Out of the stillness, a sudden crack shatters the tension in the air like a gunshot. Jolting to a halt, you stiffen your senses on high alert. Slowly, your gaze darts to the surrounding winter wonderland, scrutinizing each and every detail. You know, without a doubt, that someone or something is following you. Every fiber of your being screams you are being watched. But even so, there is nothing out of place in the tranquil landscape. This doesn't comfort you in any way as you remain on guard, waiting patiently for even the slightest bit of movement. 

"I know you're following me," You shout out, voice scratchy from unuse. "I suggest you show yourself." Although your voice remains neutral, your words carry an unspoken warning, one you hoped the stranger wouldn't take lightly. The thick silence that follows is broken only by the howling of the wind, and you're about to raise your voice once more when the rustling of the bushes and snow grabs your attention.

In an instant, your body shifts into a defensive stance, your gaze locked onto the source of the noise. However, when the figure finally comes into view, your eyes widen. Before you is a young child, wearing an oversized blue and purple striped sweater. Their short brown hair frames a neutral expression as they look at you with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. 

For a moment, you both simply stand there, both silent, neither knowing quite what to make of the other. Slowly, you lower your arms, your posture relaxing as you study the child in front of you. When you relax, they brighten slightly and are suddenly filled with movement. Their hands move rapidly in a series of peculiar gestures, and your confusion deepens. Then, it dawns on you, and you shake your head, a rueful smile tugging at your lips.

"I'm sorry, kid," You say, your voice tinged with regret. "I don't know sign language." They immediately stop their hand movements, nodding in understanding as they cautiously get closer. 

"Are you lost?" You wonder. They shake their head, and a small sense of relief fills you. Partly because they're not in any danger and partly because you both seem to be able to understand each other to some extent. They gesture in your direction, tilting their head curiously. It takes a moment, but you eventually understand, and you nod, feeling a touch sheepish for not realizing it sooner.

"Yeah, I'm lost," You admit, offering a small chuckle despite the situation. "I'm not exactly from here, and I'm not really in the condition to be exploring." You gesture to your battered and bruised form, hoping they understand your predicament. The child nods again, their neutral expression shifting into a mix of determination and worry.

With a sense of purpose, they reach out and grasp your hand, gently pulling you in a different direction than before. They seemed determined to guide you, and you were more than willing to follow their lead. Once they sensed you were willing to cooperate, they released you as they trudged ahead of you. As you walk, you can feel their gaze, and you glance down at them, meeting their wide brown eyes.

"Do you need something, kid?" You ask. They nod, pointing. You follow their finger, realizing it's fixed on the gash across your arm. Thankfully, it's no longer bleeding due to the cold, but you can see how gnarly it still looks, especially to a child.

"I'll be fine," You quickly assure them, trying to ease their concern. However, they continue to stare at you, seeming unconvinced. Their eyes roam over the rest of your form, taking notice of the slight limp in your leg. A spark of worry flashes in their brown eyes, and they quicken their pace, once again taking your hand. 

Wincing at the sudden change in speed, you push down any lingering pain, determined to keep up with this child. You have no idea where they are taking you. Only praying that they know you need some sort of medical help. The snow crunches underneath your feet with each step; the snow only seems to get deeper as time goes on. Cautiously, you slow to a stop, much to the confusion of the child in front of you. Brows furrowed, you straightened, gently pulling the kid closer to you. 

"Do you hear that?" you whisper, your voice barely audible. "I think something is following us." Holding your breath, you strain your senses once more. Faint but unmistakable, there's a sound, like the shifting of snow. Following the noise, you watch something move in the snow around you before stopping.

Quickly, you grabbed the kid's shoulder, chest tightening as you prepared to summon the last reserves of your magic. Just as you braced for an attack, something small and yellow popped out of the ground. 

Blinking in bewilderment, you withdraw your magic as you stare at the peculiar sight before you. In front of you was a small, yellow flower; it was a sight that seemed more than unnatural in a snowy landscape such as this one, and not only did this flower suddenly appear out of the snow, but it had a simple smile on its face as it turned to face you.

"Uh... what the heck is that?" you murmur incredulously. Had you been more observant, you might have noticed the child stiffening, warily staring at the plant. The flower seemed a bit offended, scowling at you before its smile quickly snapped back into place. 

"Howdy, Friend! I'm Flowey the Flower! Pleased to meet you!" You grimaced, a pit growing in your stomach as you stared at... Flowey. 

"Nice to meet you, too. I guess." You muttered. Before you could say anything else, the kids' hands shot into action, looking more than upset as they signed to Flowey. Flowey seemed unfazed by whatever the kid said, seeming more amused than anything else. 

"Aw, Frisk. I'm only introducing myself to the new human!" Frisk's brows furrowed ever so slightly, rabidly signing to the plant once more. Flowey chuckled, his beady black eyes meeting yours. "It's not every day the timeline changes, especially with someone new and injured to play with." His smile turned manic, thorny vines snaking out from underneath the powder. 

"Especially one with such a powerful soul!" The vines dart towards you faster than you can blink, and you swiftly dodge, your magic flaring in defense. Flowey cackles, his voice distorting as it becomes deeper. Frisk stumbled back, unable to react as Flowey continued his relentless vine assault.

Alright. Let's end this fever dream. Determined to put an end to this bizarre encounter, another round of attacks hurtles towards you, but this time, your palm glows a soft blue. Metal erupts from your hand in a burst of light, and with the hilt in your grip, you effortlessly slice through the thorny weeds. Flowey cried out in a mixture of anger and pain, the rest of his vines recoiling back into himself. 

"STOP FIGHTING BACK!" He screamed. You scoffed, lazily swinging the sword in a circle as you approached your opponent. He flinches as you stop before him, the blade poised against his metaphorical "throat." Your eyes are cold, and he shrinks beneath your gaze, his vines retracting back underground.

"I may be injured, but I'm far from defenseless." You growled, pressing the tip of the weapon against his stem. "I suggest you leave before I permanently cut you down." You were thoroughly done with whatever twisted game this flower was trying to play, and from the way your body shook, you knew your magic would soon be depleted. Flowey, taking one good look at you, swiftly dunked back beneath the snow, reappearing only a few feet away.

"I'll be back. Just you wait!" he sneers before vanishing completely. You watch, blade still poised, as the lump underneath the snow scurries further and further away until it fades from view. Only when you're certain the malevolent flower is gone do you release a sigh, letting your weapon fade back into nothingness.

Smaller footsteps rushed to your side, trying their best to hold you up as you stumbled. I didn't even know I was falling, you thought, mustering the strength to stand on your own. Frisk gazed up at you; their expression was blank, but it was obvious how worried they were. Offering a strained smile, you gently patted their head.

"I'm alright, Frisk," you reassured, testing the name on your tongue. It felt a bit unfamiliar, yet oddly fitting for them. Frisk shook their head in disbelief, seizing your hand as they pulled you forward with a sense of urgency. It doesn't take long before you spot a faint glimmer of light peeking through the trees, and your eyes widen as you draw closer, revealing a small town.

 As you both follow the well-worn path leading into the town, you take in the quaint and charming details of the place. Houses with roofs of glistening snow are filled with softly glowing lanterns that cast a warm, inviting light onto the snowy ground. Smoke curls lazily from the chimneys, and you shudder.

The people, If you could call them that, bustle about. The town folk are a diverse array of bipedal creatures, each one unique and fascinating. Most have fur, others scales, and even a few have some feathery appendages. You blink, trying your best not to stare as you follow Frisk.

As you both walk deeper into the town, the chatter begins to fade. Curious and wary eyes follow you, scrutinizing you with a mixture of interest and concern. You tense beneath their gazes, feeling like an outsider in a place that is worlds apart from anything you've ever known.

"Hey, kid, are we almost there? I don't know how much longer I can keep myself standing," You quip with a lighthearted tone, attempting to break the growing tension. Frisk continues guiding you through the town, seemingly undisturbed by the stares of the townsfolk. With each step, your weary legs protest, making it increasingly clear that you won't be able to walk for much longer.

If I see that flower again, I'm going to step on it. You thought, throwing mental curses at the demotic plant. You continue to move through the town, and you suppress your growing weariness as the kid leads you away from the village. Frisk leads you down a winding trial for a while until you arrive in front of a quaint two-story house. As you stare in mild confusion, the young kid quickly knocks on the door, waiting for the owners to answer.

Feeling utterly exhausted, you lean against the wooden railings of the porch for support, each breath growing increasingly ragged as black spots begin to invade your vision. You're barely able to focus when the sound of a loud voice on the other side of the door grabs your attention. Suddenly, the door swings open, revealing a giant living skeleton. 

"HELLO, FRISK! WHAT BRINGS YOU TO MY HUMBLE ABODE!" The towering skeleton happily greets. You watch as Frisk points in your direction and signs a few things. The orange lights in the skeleton's eye sockets fixate on you, and he seems to stiffen in surprise. His initial grin falters as he takes in your various injuries, his bony expression (somehow) shifting to one of concern.

"FRISK, WHO IS THIS BIGGER HUMAN, AND WHY ARE THEY INJURED?" the skeleton asks, taking a step closer to you. Frisk merely shrugs and continues signing, their tiny hands moving rapidly in conversation with the tall skeleton.

You muster what energy you have left to straighten yourself, ignoring the dizziness threatening to consume you. "I'm [Name]." You greet wearily, your voice tinged with exhaustion. You're about to say more, to offer some explanation for your sudden appearance and injuries, when suddenly, your legs give way beneath you. A sharp pain shoots through your side, and your vision becomes a whirl of black spots.

As you start to crumple to the ground, you barely process the pair of bony arms that wrap around you, preventing your fall. You struggle to stay conscious, but your strength wanes. The last thing you hear is the concerned voice of the skeleton, his words becoming nothing but distant echoes as you slip into unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

A young girl sat in the middle of a large pine forest over the edge of the cliffside. Her small legs dangled precariously over the edge, lazily swinging back and forth as she studied the darkened forest around her. Night air, sharp and cool, rustled through the trees, the breeze brushing against a young girl's cheeks.

She hummed in thought, the tension in her body releasing as she let out a sigh. The ten-year-old, while she loved her parents, often felt trapped in the small home. Because of this, it wasn't uncommon to find her bounding through the woods, much to her parent's chagrin. She had a special place in her heart for the wilderness, and no amount of scolding or strict curfews could stop her. Her thoughts shifted, fixating on the stars above. As she watched the stars and moon, a sense of calm washed over her, temporarily drowning out her worries.

Something small poked beneath her leg as she shifted, jolting her from her stupor. With furrowed brows, her fingers quickly discovered the cause of the interruption: a small sharp pebble. Irritation briefly crossed her face as she toyed with the tiny rock, feeling its rough surface between her fingertips. Without thinking, she tossed it over her shoulder, hoping to be rid of the nuisance. 

To her surprise, a pained yelp came from the bushes behind her. Her heart pounded as she slowly turned, her muscles tight as she studied the area around her. No one else was supposed to be in these woods, especially this late in the night. A chill washed down her spine as she pulled her legs near her. Preparing to run, she summoned the courage to speak. 

"W-who is there?" she stammered, voice cracking in fear. The rustle of leaves and twigs made her heart flip before a boy around her age emerged from the dense foliage. They locked eyes for a moment, both seemingly taken aback. Hair, black as the midnight sky, framed his face, eyes wide as he looked at her as if assessing if she was any threat. He seemed to find nothing intimidating about the girl as his shoulders fell. 

"No need to get scared; it's just me," the boy said in a hushed tone, moving closer to the girl. She bristled at the stranger, still wary as she watched him. 

"I wasn't scared," she countered, puffing her cheeks in defense. She didn't want him to believe she feared him in any way. Her mentor always told her never to show her fear. The boy raised a disbelieving eyebrow, and her cheeks flushed.

"If you say so," he murmured skeptically, settling down beside her. She tensed but didn't say a word, her curiosity overshadowing her initial apprehension. As they sat side by side, a quiet breeze rustling the leaves around them, the girl couldn't help but sneak glances at the boy. He looked a year or two older than her, with tousled black hair that desperately needed a haircut.

His dark brown eyes held a certain part of mischief, his lips curling into a permanent smirk. His clothes were a bit disheveled, covered with various parts of the woods- patches of mud and leaves clung to his clothes, telling her that he'd most likely been wandering in the woods for a while. 

"So, who are you?" she finally asked. He glanced at her, studying her petite frame for a moment before a faint grin tugged at his lips

"Why do you want to know?" he quipped, leaning back on his hands and looking up at the starry sky.

The young girl blinked at his rudeness, obviously taken aback, but she wasn't one to back down easily. "Because I'm not about to sit in the dark with a stranger," she retorted back. He looked at her with feigned innocence.

"Why not?" he wondered, his smirk growing. At this point, she realized he was teasing her and rolled her eyes in response.

"Fine then. If you're not going to tell me, I'll leave," she said, making a move to get up. A sudden flash of panic crossed his face, and he quickly lifted his hands as if to stop her. "No, wait! I was messing with you," he exclaimed, his voice shifting to a hushed whisper. "My name's Caz... just please don't leave." His words held a hint of desperation as he stared into her eyes.

She froze, her gaze softening at the abrupt change in his demeanor. As she examined him more closely, she couldn't help but notice his thin frame, too skinny to be considered healthy. Silently, she relaxed, shifting back to her original position. She didn't miss how his tense shoulders dropped, and his brown eyes darted toward her, filled with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

The peaceful silence covered them as they both gazed up at the glittering stars. After a few moments, the girl turned her attention to the boy, her voice softer than before. "Why are you out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Caz replied, deflecting her question with seemingly practiced ease. The girl arched an eyebrow and shot him a deadpan look, unimpressed. He sighed in response, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"I just needed to get out of the house, away from them," Caz finally confessed, his voice tinged with anger as he muttered the last word. His brows furrowed in frustration as if haunted by a troubling memory, his fists clenching in his lap. The girl hummed thoughtfully, drawing him out of his thoughts. As much as she wanted to ask him more questions about it, she knew it wasn't her place.

"Aren't the stars beautiful?" she remarked, shifting her focus back to the night sky above. Caz's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected change of subject.

"I guess," he replied reluctantly, still taken aback by the sudden shift. "I've never really noticed, to be honest." His response surprised the girl, and she turned her head to face him.

"Well, you have a chance to look at them now, don't you?" she commented, her eyes fixed on the stars once more. When Caz followed her gaze this time, it was as if his breath had been stolen. The vastness of the night sky, adorned with countless shimmering stars, seemed to fill him with wonder as if he were seeing the cosmos for the first time.

The girl's smile widened as she observed Caz's awestruck expression, and she shifted a bit closer to him, pointing towards a specific shape in the stars. "See those clusters of stars over there? The ones shaped like a wing? That's called Angel's Point. It's a constellation that only appears twice a year, and many people believe it brings good luck. If you're lucky enough to see it, you can make a wish," she explained.

Caz squinted his eyes in the direction she was pointing in before leaning back on his hands. "I didn't know there were meanings behind certain stars," he admitted softly, almost as if he were speaking to himself.

The girl's enthusiasm was infectious, and she eagerly pointed out another constellation in the sky, diving into its story. The two kids quickly lost track of time as they chatted about constellations and their lore. By the time they finished, the girl's eyes were drooping, and her sentences were often interrupted by sharp yawns. Caz sighed in stifled amusement as he watched her head droop before she jolted herself awake. 

"I think it's time for you to head back home," he murmured, gently bumping her shoulder. Although the girl didn't show it, Caz could sense a hint of disappointment in her. She nodded sleepily and pushed herself to her feet. She took a few steps away from him, seemingly on her way home. However, she suddenly stopped and turned around once more.

"I'll be here tomorrow night as well if you want to join me," she said hastily before turning to leave. Caz's eyes widened in shock, and he blinked slowly. As she walked away, he couldn't help but call out to her, his curiosity getting the best of him.

"Hey, wait! What's your name?" he asked. She paused, seeming to think for a moment before turning her head to look back at him, her grin radiant.

"[Name], My name's [Name]." 

*          *          *          *          * 

The light sounds of chatter gradually drew you awake, and with a groan, you reluctantly opened your eyes. You first felt warmth and a lingering sense of magic hanging in the air. As your vision cleared, you realized you were lying on a small, red couch. Slowly, you sat up, only to find that a cozy blanket restricted your movement, and you blinked in surprise as you brushed your hand against the soft cloth. 

"It was just a dream," you murmur, gently pushing the blanket off you. Immediately, lingering spouts of pain shot through your body, and you winced with a small hiss. Cautiously, you lift your arm, checking in on the wound. However, you are surprised to see that there is no longer a cut there. Now that you thought about it, while you were still in pain, it was subdued. 

How did I heal this fast? 

"HUMAN, IT SEEMS YOU ARE FINALLY AWAKE!" a loud voice exclaimed, snapping you out of your stupor. You flinched, instinctively tensing as your gaze darted around the room, taking in your warmly lit surroundings. In front of the couch was a tall skeleton that you faintly recognized; he was bent over slightly as if trying to appear less menacing. Your memories were still hazy, but the events from earlier slowly returned to you, and you allowed yourself to slowly relax.

You're not in any danger. Frisk brought you here for help. You reminded yourself as you warily stared at the skeleton. It was unmistakable that he was much taller than you; in fact, he was taller than anyone you had ever seen, even bent down as he was. He sent you a grin that wavered the longer you silently stared. 

"SORRY FOR STARTLING YOU, BUT THAT'S TO BE EXPECTED WHEN YOU'RE IN THE PRESENCE OF SOMEONE AS AMAZING AS THE GREAT PAPYRUS!" he announced, striking a pose. His red scarf around his neck fluttered dramatically even though there was no wind to make it move. You couldn't help but smile at his show, which seemed to calm the skeleton as his shoulders dropped slightly.

"How long have I been asleep?" You wondered, glancing out the window in front of you. There was little indication of how much time had passed as you were met only with the sight of falling snow. 

"YOU'VE BEEN ASLEEP FOR AROUND FOUR HOURS, 27 MINUTES AND 46 SECONDS, HUMAN!" Papyrus answered, straightening to his full height. You nodded at that, rubbing your face with a sigh. It had been less time than you'd expected, but nonetheless, it was more than you were comfortable with.

"Are you the one who healed me?" you asked, still trying to make sense of your sudden recovery as you cautiously stretched out your arm. Papyrus beamed, leaning closer to you, his skeletal features illuminated by the soft, warm glow of the room.

"OF COURSE! I WOULD BE A BAD HOST IF I LEFT YOU IN THAT CONDITION," he explained earnestly. Curiously, you slid your legs over the side of the couch, waiting a moment before forcing yourself on your own two feet. A rush of pain sparked through your entire body, and you stumbled, barely catching yourself as you forced yourself upright. The skeleton lept into action, holding your arm as you struggled to stay standing. 

"YOU SHOULDN'T BE UP JUST YET; YOU'RE NOT FULLY HEALED." He gently scolded, forcing you back onto the couch once more. You huffed, eyes screwed shut as a soft groan escaped you. 

"Yeah, not the smartest move on my part." You admitted, chuckling slightly. Slowly, you leaned back onto the cushions, brow knitted as your eyelids flickered open. Papyrus was right in front of you, his eyelights bathing your cheeks in orange as he studied you. The skeleton seemed to come to some sort of conclusion as he sat next to you, slowly pulling off his gloves as he placed one of his bony hands on your chest. 

Perhaps you should've been more freaked out, but you felt nothing but calm as he shifted to a more comfortable position. When his eyelights met yours, he sent you a reassuring smile. "YOU STILL SEEM TO BE IN PAIN. JUST TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELAX." 

Warmth and peace were the only way to describe what you felt as his hands lit up in a soft, light green. It felt as if your whole body was engulfed in a hug, almost like someone was telling you everything was going to be fine. Instinctively, you leaned closer, almost desperately chasing after what was now only a distant memory. 

Only a few moments passed before Papyrus withdrew, the light in his hand quickly snuffing out. The feeling slowly ebbed and flowed away, and a part of you longed for the warmth to return. Papyrus seemed more tired, his demeanor more relaxed as he slouched slightly. Hesitantly, you placed a hand on his arm, your relaxed smile twitching into a frown. 

"Are you okay?" You gently asked. Sensing the concern in your eyes, Papyrus straightened, a surge of energy evident in his movements as he leaped up from the couch.

"OF COURSE! MAGIC LIKE THAT IS EASY FOR SOMEONE AS STRONG AS I AM!" he declared with unabashed happiness. The infectious energy seemed to spread as your lips lifted into a grin, accompanied by a soft laugh.

"Well, thank you. I feel a lot better." you admitted, and it wasn't an exaggeration. Some of your injuries had reduced to nothing more than a low throb. In response, Papyrus's grin widened, and he emitted a proud, "Nyeh, heh heh." Just as you were starting to relax, something gently poked your shoulder. Turning, you found Frisk standing beside you, their expression a mix of relief and concern as they stared at you, fiddling with their fingers. 

"Hey, kid." you greeted, summoning enough strength to sound cheerful despite the lingering disorientation. "Hope I didn't freak you out too much."

Their blank stare clearly conveyed that, "Yes, you had freaked me out," and you couldn't help but snort in response, playfully ruffling their hair. "Don't worry. I'm as good as new now, thanks to your friend." Frisk swatted your hand away with an annoyed expression, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of their lips. With a smirk still on your lips, you focused your attention back on Papyrus, noticing his grin had softened slightly, but it quickly snapped back into place as your gaze met his.

"If you don't mind me asking, how exactly did you heal me? I've never felt anything like it." You questioned, your hand hovering over your chest. Papyrus hummed, his gloved finger resting on his chin in thought. 

"SANS IS BETTER AT EXPLAINING STUFF LIKE THIS. HOWEVER, I USED SOMETHING CALLED GREEN MAGIC TO HEAL YOU." 

Green magic? You were unfamiliar with this magic. The magic in your world was more intertwined with nature, and only light magic or time elementals were known to heal or remove injuries entirely. Curiosity filled you as you tilted your head in thought. 

"Does it hurt to use?" Papyrus hesitated, his hands falling back to his sides. 

"NO. USING GREEN MAGIC ONLY MAKES ME TIRED. WHICH MAKES SENSE, CONSIDERING I'M TAKING HP FROM MY SOUL AND GIVING SOME TO YOURS." You stiffened, eyes wide as you stared at the skeleton in shock. 

He took stuff from his soul to heal me...  He must've noticed the growing horror on your face because he immediately went to comfort you. "DON'T FRET HUMAN! I ASSURE YOU I WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING RECKLESS WITH MY SOUL!"

For a few moments, you stared at him skeptically, the weight of his admission settling heavily upon you. Eventually, with a resigned sigh, you relented, albeit tentatively. "Alright. If you say so." However, despite his reassurances, lingering doubts nagged at the back of your mind.

His explanation about his healing magic only served to open up more questions. This universe's magic system seemed much different from your own. The concept of souls was very controversial in your world, with differing beliefs about their nature and role in magic. Some, like yourself, held the belief that elemental magic stemmed from the essence of souls, while others dismissed the idea entirely.

The casual manner in which Papyrus referred to the use of his soul for magic left you taken aback. Not only did it possibly challenge everything you had grown up to know about souls, but it also could change everything you knew about your own ability. If you remember correctly, the demon flower had also mentioned something about your soul. 

Before you got too sucked into your thoughts, you changed the subject. "Where am I?" you asked, seeking to ground yourself in the present moment.

"YOU ARE IN ME AND MY BROTHERS HOME. I VALLIENTLY BROUGHT YOU INSIDE AFTER YOU FAINTED." Papyrus answered, a hint of pride in his voice at his heroics. You opened your mouth as if to ask something else, but you were suddenly interrupted by the rumbling growl of your stomach. Immediately, your cheeks flushed as Papyrus's sockets seemed to widen in concern.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT, HUMAN? ARE YOU STILL INJURED?" he asked, genuine worry filling his voice. You stifled a laugh at his anxious tone and quickly waved him off.

"No, I'm not injured. It was just my stomach telling me to get some food," You chuckled, glancing at Frisk, who nodded in agreement. The skeleton seemed to relax, but then he brightened, his orange eyelights expanding in excitement.

"STAY RIGHT THERE, HUMAN! I SHALL MAKE YOU THE GREATEST MEAL YOU HAVE EVER HAD! SADLY, I DON'T HAVE ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR MY FAMOUS FRIENDSHIP SPAGHETTI, SO HOPEFULLY, YOU'LL BE CONTENT WITH SOMETHING ELSE."

Your gaze softened, deeply touched by his kindness. "No worries, I'm sure anything you make will be delicious." A faint blush of orange briefly dusted across his bony cheeks as he beamed.

"NYEH HEH HEH, I'LL BE RIGHT BACK!" he declared with unbridled enthusiasm before dashing off to the kitchen, his cape billowing dramatically behind him. You chuckled softly as he disappeared from view, letting out a content breath as you slumped back against the comfortable couch.

A small body joined you, and you glanced at Frisk as they settled beside you, their curious brown eyes fixed on your face. Though their expression appeared neutral, those eyes held a million unspoken questions.

"Hey, Frisk?" you began, and they straightened slightly. "Where in the world am I?" you asked softly. When they didn't immediately respond, you sighed, realizing your mistake in asking a question to someone who couldn't verbally answer. "Sorry, I shouldn't ask you a question you can't—"

But before you could finish your thought, a response entered your mind, clear as day, yet without a spoken word. 

*We are in The Underground, where the monsters were banished. You froze, your eyes widening in astonishment. You had indeed heard Frisk's answer, but their mouth hadn't moved. In fact, you couldn't be entirely certain you heard the words in the traditional sense; it was more like the answer had been transmitted directly into your soul.

"Did you just speak, or am I going crazy..." Frisk shook their head slowly, their expression confused as they tilted their head slightly.

*You're not going crazy. They assured you, still somehow talking with the same silent, mind-to-mind communication. *I'm surprised you can understand. Only people with high amounts of magic in their souls can.

Your mind whirled with a thousand questions, taking a moment to process. I must've not been able to hear them earlier because my magic was so depleted. You realized, shaking your head to clear your thoughts. 

"Banished? Why were they banished?" Frisk's small shoulders slumped slightly, and a flash of sadness crossed their face as their brows furrowed in thought.

*Humans didn't like monsters, so the humans went to war with them. The monsters didn't fight back and were sent to the Underground by human mages. 

"That's terrible." You murmured. Papyrus seemed so kind, and you couldn't process how anyone could think that it was even fair that he gets locked away just because he looked different. You continued to ask Frisk questions, and they patiently answered each one, sharing their knowledge about the universe you had unexpectedly found yourself in.

The monsters could not leave the underground due to a magical barrier that needed seven human souls to break. Because of this, the king ordered all humans to be brought to him so he could use their souls in order to free his people.  A chill ran down your spine when Frisk told you only one more soul was needed for the King to achieve his goal. As they talked, you couldn't help but wonder how Frisk was down here with everyone else. As little as you knew about this world, you were sure there shouldn't be any humans down here, especially a child. 

"How did you get down here? Were you also banished?" You asked. They shook their heads, their brows furrowing slightly. 

*No. I fell and landed in the pile of yellow flowers by the ruins. The same way you came, right? For a moment, you debated lying. From what Frisk had told you, if the monsters discovered that you had abilities similar to a mage, you were sure a fight would break out. Add on the fact, you weren't even from this universe, and you weren't sure where you would even begin to explain that. 

But you knew lying would get you nowhere and would only serve to give you more problems in the future. Taking a deep breath, you straightened up and turned your attention to the curious child beside you. "I came in a different way." Your fingers brushed against the pocket watch. "I-"

"AH, SANS! HOW WAS WORK?" Papyrus's loud voice echoed from the kitchen as the front door clicked open. You paused, curiosity bubbling in you as you heard a deeper voice responding, "it was good, though i'm a bit bone-tired." 

"BROTHER, WHAT HAVE I SAID ABOUT PUNS? ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE A GUEST!" The taller skeleton groaned.

"guest, huh?" the new voice muttered cautiously. 

"YES, THE BIGGER HUMAN IS ON THE COUCH RECOVERING, SO DON'T BOTHER HER TOO MUCH WITH YOUR TERRIBLE HUMOR," Papyrus warned halfheartedly. As the shuffle of footsteps grew closer, you turned your attention to the living room's entrance. An unfamiliar figure appeared from the shadows, very different than his brother. 

Sans stood notably shorter than both you and his brother. He sported a blue puffy jacket, hands casually tucked into his pockets, and a laid-back demeanor that seemed worlds apart from his brother's enthusiasm. He also seemed to have a permanent grin plastered on his skeletal face. 

Sans's white eyelights immediately fixed upon you as he entered the room. His sockets seemed to narrow ever so slightly, and you stiffened warily, watching the newcomer. There was something about his gaze that left you with a sense of unease as if he staring straight through you. Frisk, on the other hand, was unfazed by Sans's arrival. They enthusiastically jumped off the couch and ran up to the smaller skeleton.

"heya, kid. who's your new friend?" Sans greeted softly, reciprocating Frisk's hug. Even as Frisk rapidly signed to him, Sans's attention remained divided, his grin never faltering as he maintained his watchful eye on you.

Feeling a bit tense under his gaze, you decided to take the initiative. Slowly rising from the couch, you plastered a friendly smile on your face as you walked up to the new skeleton brother. "I'm [Name]," you introduced, extending your hand. Sans seemed to hesitate briefly, his sockets still studying you with a lingering curiosity before he slowly lifted his bony hand.

"sans. sans the skeleton." 

Chapter Text

As you extended your hand to Sans, the tension in the room slightly lifted. The skeleton's hand was cool to the touch and held a peculiar warmth, and if your eyes were closed, you could've easily mistaken it for a human hand. While his grip was gentle, the intensity of his gaze didn't waver, almost as if he was trying to stare into your very soul with those bright white eyelights. 

"Nice to meet you, Sans," you replied with a friendly nod, trying your best not to show your growing uneasiness. Sans's grin appeared to grow ever so slightly, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eye sockets. When it was obvious he wasn't going to say anything, you decided to break the ice further. "I hope I'm not intruding or anything. Papyrus and Frisk were kind enough to help me."

At the mention of his brother, Sans's expression relaxed, shifting into his normal laid-back demeanor as he released your hand. "nah, no problem. pap's got a big heart, can't resist helpin' folks in need," he explained, his grin softening slightly.

Almost as if catching himself, he straightened, his smile tightening once more. Despite his carefree tone, you knew he wanted nothing more than to throw you out, and honestly, you couldn't blame him. You would be wary, too, if the roles were reversed.

"HUMAN, DINNER IS READY! YOU'LL NOW HAVE THE HONOR OF EATING THE MOST DELICIOUS TACO SOUP MADE BY THE GREAT PAPYRUS HIMSELF!" Papyrus declared proudly, breaking the growing tension as he effortlessly balanced a large pot of soup in one hand. You relaxed at the sight of the taller skeleton, shooting him a carefree smile. 

"I can't wait to try it." Papyrus beamed at your response, his tall form brimming with enthusiasm. Sans continued to watch you, his bony face contorting into something comparable to confusion, his eyelights flickering down to your chest. 

"YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED, HUMAN!" With a flourish, Papyrus set the pot of soup on the dining table, your stomach already growling at the tantalizing smell of the dish wafting in the air. As everyone gathered around the table, you noticed Sans had taken the seat across from you, his grin still firmly in place, even as he continued to stare at you. 

Frisk settled down next to you, excitement shining in their brown eyes. True to his word, Papyrus served you a heaping plate of soup with an elaborate, twirling motion. It was almost like watching a master chef at work; you couldn't help but be impressed by the presentation. Normally, you would've waited until everyone at the table had been served, but the smell, combined with the grumbling of your stomach, was too tempting to resist. 

You took a bite, and the explosion of flavors in your mouth was beyond anything you could have expected. It was as if Papyrus had captured the essence of deliciousness itself in his cooking. You couldn't help but let out a delighted sigh.

"Wow, Papyrus, this is incredible," you exclaimed, your taste buds dancing with joy as you scooped another spoonful in your mouth. Frisk hummed in agreement beside you, stuffing another bite in their mouth. 

Papyrus practically glowed with pride, a light orange bush dusting his cheeks once more. "NYEH HEH HEH, I'M GLAD YOU ENJOY IT, HUMAN! THERE'S PLENTY MORE IF YOU WANT SECONDS." The meal continued with cheerful conversation, consisting of Papyrus talking about his training with someone named Undyne, to sometimes shifting to Sans's laziness at his job.

You were content just listening to everyone else, too busy stuffing your mouth to add to the conversation. Papyrus's infectious enthusiasm remained as endearing as ever, yet Sans's watchful gaze fixed upon you throughout the meal, and a growing sense of unease began to settle within you. Despite your best efforts to appear unbothered by Sans, a sliver of anxiety broke through. It was like he was waiting for you to mess up. The lively chatter gradually faded, replaced by the clinking of utensils and a thick silence.

As you ate, Papyrus and Sans studied you with varying expressions. Papyrus seemed almost expectant, while Sans maintained a carefully neutral demeanor, something which you tried your hardest to ignore. Frisk signed something to the taller skeleton, and Papyrus responded with a resigned sigh, toying with his gloved fingers.

"NOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD SOME NOURISHMENT, HUMAN, PERHAPS YOU COULD SHARE HOW YOU GOT SUCH INJURIES?" Papyrus cautiously asked. You couldn't help but stiffen slightly, a reaction that didn't escape the keen observation of the shorter skeleton. You offered a soft, almost hesitant response, your fingers instinctively grazing the spot where your injuries once were. 

"It's a bit of a long story," you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Sans's ever-present grin remained unchanged, but a spark of curiosity was dancing in the depths of his sockets.

"well, we've got time," he replied nonchalantly. "dinner's not going anywhere." Frisk and Papyrus watched you intently, eagerly waiting for you to answer. You knew you were stuck in this universe, and sooner or later, they would find out anyway, but you didn't even know where to start. As you leaned back in your chair, you took a steadying breath, hoping that they'd believe you. 

"How much do you know about parallel universes or the multiverse?" you began, cautiously testing the waters. Immediately, Sans seemed more alert while the others stared at you in confusion. 

"i know a bit, but as far as i know, the multiverse is only a theory," Sans stated, clearly taken aback by your out-of-pocket question. You leaned forward, a determined glint in your eye as you continued to speak.

"Well, the multiverse is real, and I know this because I am not from your universe." You allowed a moment for the weight of your words to sink in, watching as their confusion deepened. "I know it sounds crazy, but I'm begging you to keep an open mind." They slowly nodded, and you took a deep breath as you continued. 

"Less than a day ago, my universe was on the brink of destruction at the hands of a man who calls himself the Shadow Bringer. A pretty cheesy name, I know, but he is incredibly powerful with the ability to manipulate shadows into whatever his dark heart desires."

You could feel eyes on you as the images of battle barely appeared, your hands clenching together to fight the oncoming wave of emotions. "Many brave people were sent to defeat him, but nothing could stop his rampage of destruction. So, I was sent to try and defeat him, and I finally managed to corner him in a small town with an army of others like myself. However, as the battle went on, his army soon overwhelmed mine, and I knew I was going to be killed." Papyrus stiffened, but you continued on, your voice hard.  

You took off the pocketwatch, holding it up. "I knew that if I lost, my world would be destroyed. So, in my desperation, I resorted to using very powerful magic stored in this pocket watch to banish him to a different universe, permanently sending him away where he couldn't hurt anyone else. Unfortunately, I was also caught in the portal's energy and thrown into your universe. I woke up in the snow, and soon after, Frisk found me, and you know the rest." It was quiet when you finished, and you awkwardly fiddled with your fingers. Sans was the first to break the silence, his voice low and contemplative.

"so you're from another universe, huh?" he mused, his gaze still fixed on you. "i guess i've heard crazier things. i mean, you're not the first human to fall outta the sky." he murmured, pointedly looking at Frisk. 

You nodded, running a hand through your tangly hair. "I know it's a lot to take in-" Your attempt to continue explaining was interrupted by the sound of sniffling. Your eyes widened as you saw orange tears welling up in the corners of Papyrus's sockets.

"I BELIEVE YOU. THAT SOUNDS AWFUL! I'M SORRY YOU WENT THROUGH SO MUCH," Papyrus exclaimed, his words filled with genuine sympathy. Your eyes softened at his concern, and you gently patted his back, hoping to provide some comfort to the emotional skeleton. Frisk tilted their head, brows furrowing in silent inquiry, the question clear in their eyes.

*If he was so powerful, why were you the one sent after him? The same question stirred curiosity in everyone at the table, and you met their gazes with a small, knowing smile.

"It's because I'm an elemental," you said. "Just like the Shadow Bringer, but my element is different. I have the power to manipulate water, not shadows." Their reactions varied; Papyrus and Frisk seemed genuinely curious, eager to learn more, while Sans appeared somewhat uneasy. His grin tightened, and his eyelights flickered as he asked,

"What do you mean, 'elemental'?" Rather than explaining in words, you silently demonstrated. You reached for the cup in front of you, your eyes glowing with a gentle, soothing blue light. With a subtle flick of your wrist, you commanded the liquid within the cup. It obeyed, rising and twisting like a serpentine dance. Papyrus and Frisk's eyes shimmered with amazement, entranced by the water's enchanting movements.

However, this display of power took its toll on you. A sharp pain pierced your head, and you carefully guided the water back into the cup, feeling an unexpected wave of exhaustion wash over you. You knew you were low on energy, but you didn't imagine you'd be so exhausted you couldn't handle basic tricks. 

"WOWEE, THAT WAS AMAZING!" Papyrus exclaimed with genuine wonder. "I DIDN'T KNOW HUMANS COULD DO SUCH THINGS!"

Frisk shared in the fascination, their silent expression mirroring their amazement. You decided to explain more when you noticed the questions practically radiating off of them. "In my universe, some humans, known as elementals, possess unique powers. While my element is water, there are others who control lightning, fire, earth, and more."

Papyrus's enthusiasm was undeniable as he leaned closer, curiosity gleaming in his sockets. "DO ELEMENTALS HAVE A SPECIAL PURPOSE IN YOUR UNIVERSE?" You chuckled at his eagerness.

"Not exactly. Elementals are rare, and their abilities are unique to each of them. We're trained from a young age to control our powers and help those in need. I often used my water manipulation to assist in emergency situations like fires or floods. But, there wasn't a grand purpose to it; we just aimed to make the world a better place." Sans leaned back in his chair, his grin returning, though you couldn't help but notice a hint of wariness in his eye sockets.

"sounds pretty handy, especially when things get choppy." Papyrus groaned at the pun, and even Frisk rolled their eyes, but you snorted softly, feeling more and more at ease. Frisk signed to the others, and Papyrus nodded eagerly.

"I AGREE! I THINK IT'S INCREDIBLE. CAN YOU SHOW US MORE?" You hesitated, feeling the fatigue from your earlier display of power, but you couldn't bring yourself to say no. With a small nod, you focused on the cup once more. The water obediently obeyed your command, rising and forming into a glistening ball. Your eyes radiated with a soft, glow as you regulated your breath. The air around you took on a crisp, familiar chill as everyone watched in awe. The ball of water gradually transformed into pure ice, dropping onto the table with a solid thud.

Papyrus clapped his hands in delight, and even Sans couldn't help but crack a grin. "pretty impressive." He paused. " however, i can't help but notice your magic is getting depleted." You were surprised he noticed your growing fatigue. In fact, you were sure there would be no way he would've known just by looking at you.

"I'll be careful. Just thought I'd give you a glimpse of what I can do." You replied easily. Papyrus frowned slightly, quickly agreeing with his brother. 

"SANS IS RIGHT; YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY BE RESTING!" Papyrus insisted, concern lacing his tone. Grabbing the ice ball you had just created, you converted it back into water, watching it cascade gently into the cup.

"I'll keep that in mind, Papyrus." The tall skeleton seemed disgruntled, but thankfully dropped the subject. With that, you went to put your dishes in the dishwasher, but your action was swiftly intercepted by Papyrus's enthusiastic "NYEH HEH HEH."

"I DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE DISHES; THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM," he declared. You went to object, but he quickly stopped you, snatching the dish from your hold. "DON'T FRET. IT IS MY DUTY AS A HOST TO TAKE CARE OF MY GUEST. YOU SHOULD REST ON THE COUCH WHILE I FINISH CLEANING UP."

You couldn't argue with Papyrus's enthusiasm, and you obliged, slumping onto the couch with a grateful smile. The exhaustion from your recent ordeals was starting to catch up with you, and you welcomed the opportunity to rest. You were glad they believed your crazy story, but you couldn't shake the feeling that you were forgetting something important. The thought gnawed at the back of your mind as you leaned back on the couch, and you sighed, covering your eyes with your arms. 

The cushions beside you dipped, and to your surprise, it was Sans who had joined you. His arm was lazily draping over the back of the couch, his sockets fixed on you, the act sending a shiver down your spine.

"Did you need something?" you asked cautiously. He chuckled, a low and almost casual sound.

 "na. mostly just wanted to talk for a bit. papyrus trusts you, and for some reason, the kid's getting attached as well. so remember this." He turned to you, his eyelights vanishing from his sockets. "if you ever hurt my bro or anyone else in the underground, you're going to have a B A D T I M E." His voice lowered into a growl, a thrum of magic engulfing you as you shivered, trying your best to keep your own magic from flaring in defense. 

"do i make myself clear?" He said, eyelights reappearing once more. You nodded, feeling the weight of his words suffocating you. Sans seemed to relax at that, allowing himself to melt back into the couch cushions."m'glad we can come to an understanding." Your brow furrowed, a bad taste lingering on your tongue at his assumptions. 

"I don't know what kind of person you think I am, but I would never hurt an innocent being. I know my promises probably mean nothing to you, but you should know I do not make them lightly." Your gaze turned hard as you locked eyes with Sans, his sockets widening in surprise.

"Sans, I will harm none of the residents in the Underground. I give you my word." Sans studied you for a moment, his gaze heavy, and for a second, you thought you had said the wrong thing. Then, to your surprise, a small, almost unnoticeable smile played at the corners of his skeletal mouth.

"huh, you're alright, kid. guess I'll take your word for it. but ya better not make me regret it." You nodded, grateful for the slight shift in Sans's behavior and for the fact that maybe, just maybe, you were beginning to earn his trust. Frisk wandered into the room, looking at you with a questioning gaze. They signed something to you, and you smiled as they jumped onto the other side of the couch.

"Yeah, Frisk. I'm okay," you murmured. Frisk's eyes softened, and they gestured for you to come closer. It was a simple but comforting invitation, one you accepted without hesitation. You inched closer to Frisk, and they gently placed their hand on your shoulder, a reassuring touch that filled you with warmth.

"Thanks, kid." You whispered, wrapping an arm around their smaller form. If they were uncomfortable, they didn't say anything, instead, they shifted closer to you. Papyrus bustled around in the kitchen, his cooking utensils clattering, but you couldn't help but notice a faint smile on his face as he watched you both. 

As the silence enveloped you once more, you allowed your thoughts to roam freely. Less than 24 hours had passed since you arrived in this unfamiliar universe. While you didn't regret the decision, the separation from your own world and your loved ones tugged at your heart, leaving a lingering ache. However, you had to keep reminding yourself it was for the best; if you didn't do what you did, your universe would've been destroyed, and now he's far away, stuck somewhere els-

You paused, a sudden thought sending shivers down your spine. Your breath hitched as you slowly untangled yourself from Frisk. If you were here, then that meant...

You sprang to your feet, the abruptness of your movement startling Frisk, who looked at you with a furrowed brow. 

No... no, this can't be happening...

 "you all right, bud?" Sans wondered cautiously. You nodded, frustration and dread swirling inside you as you walked over to the window, peering out at the falling snow. With clenched fists, you faced the falling snowflakes as a weight seemed to push down against your shoulders.

        *[Name]?  Frisk snapped you from your thoughts, and you turned, forcing a smile on your face. 

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just worried about my universe..." It was a terrible lie that I'm sure they didn't believe, but you didn't care, attempting to steady your breathing as your whirlwind of thoughts slowed to one.    

The Shadow Bringer is here, and it's all my fault.

Chapter Text

Two sets of boots crunched against the snow, each step leaving a clear imprint in the powder. Frisk, ever eager to be your guide, walked by your side, their expression neutral. A week has passed since you arrived in the Underground, and today marked the first time Papyrus allowed you to venture outside.

Not that you hadn't tried escaping multiple times, but the taller skeleton proved to be more observant than you gave him credit for, and each attempt ended in failure. He insisted you needed more time to heal, and it was only when you proved you could walk without wincing or stumbling that he finally let you go out. 

The corners of your lips twitched upward as you glanced at Frisk, who animatedly shared tales of Snowdin as they gave you the 'official tour.' However, a genuine smile struggled to form, your senses buzzing with an undercurrent of tension. Instinctively, your grip tightened around the edges of your oversized jacket. Despite the captivating stories, the snow-covered landscape failed to soothe the restlessness gnawing at your core.

Ever since you landed in the Underground, there has been no sign of the Shadowbringer. Most people, most normal people, would be relieved, maybe even brushing off the danger completely. However, the fact only served to unnerve you, and if it weren't for Papyrus and Frisk, you would've searched all of the Underground by now. A light snore draws you away from your worries as you and Frisk approach a small stand. Slumped over the table, fast asleep, was none other than the older skeleton brother. His jacket moved with each inhale, his smile still in place as his snoring continued.

How does he snore or even breathe? He's a skeleton. You thought, moving to stand in front of the guard station. 

        *And here is where Sans works. Frisk told you, pointing at the slumbering monster. You smirked, stuffing your hands in your pocket. 

"Oh yeah, he seems like he's doing loads of work." You quipped, the corners of your lips lifting in amusement as you watched Sans sleep. He shifts slightly, and you stiffen, only to relax when his snoring once again continues. To say your relationship with Sans was strained would be an understatement. Despite his attempt to play nice, it was obvious he didn't trust you in the slightest. He always kept a watchful eye on you, like he's worried you're gonna one day snap and kill everyone in the underground. 

You understood it stemmed from your magic and humanity. Still, it irked you that he hates you because of something you couldn't help. In a way, it's hypocritical. Letting out a breath, you step back, letting your gaze fall to Frisk. Despite his hatred, you weren't going to stoop to his level. 

"We should probably go before we wake him up," you suggested. "Got anything else you wanna show me?" Frisk nodded eagerly, rushing ahead without another word. You chuckled, briefly observing the child before chasing after them.

"Hey, Slow down, kid!" You shout after them, both laughing as you quickly rush to catch up. As you run, you don't notice the lidded socket that opens, white eye lights following your figure as you fade from view.

You both walked in silence through the thick wooded forest. The only sounds that dared to break the quiet were the crisp crunch of snow underfoot and the soft murmur of frozen branches. As the seconds passed and you both traveled closer to the unknown destination, you noticed the tiniest of changes in Frisk. 

Their expression morphed into something more somber, brown eyes gazing into the distance. It was a haunting gaze you recognized all too well, that of someone ensnared in the clutches of their own memories. You bit the inside of your cheek, allowing the noise of the forest to wash over you like a thick blanket. 

Something in the distance caught your attention, and your eyes widened slightly. Before, you were a colossal set of doors. Towering spirals of ancient stone framed the the entryway, reaching skyward, almost like outstretched fingers. The stones, weathered and aged, bore the marks of countless seasons, their surfaces etched with the proud scars of time. Despite the wear and tear, it wasn't crumbling by any means. It stood proudly, seeming unswayed by the snow and wind. You both stopped, one staring at the doors in confusion, the other in remembrance.

How is it beautiful and creepy at the same time? Frisk advanced toward the towering doors, gently laying a hand upon the cold stone. A heavy sigh escaped them, a wistful breath, as their arm descended slowly back to their side.

Frisk's emotions were always veiled by a face of uninterest, but it was as if their mask had cracked, unearthing the turmoil that brewed beneath the surface. The pure longing and sadness in their eyes struck your soul like a bullet; you couldn't help but wonder what happened here that was so important. 

What does this place mean for them? You lingered in the shared silence, granting them a few more moments of thought before allowing your own curiosity to take over.

"What is this place?" Carefully, you approached them as they snapped out of their thoughts. Once again, the mask slipped back into place as they turned to face you. 

        *This is the ruins. Inside is where I fell into the underground... and it's where I met Goat mom for the first time. At first, Toriel wouldn't let me leave the ruins saying it was too dangerous. But, after insisting, she let me, but told me I couldn't return. You figured there was more to the story by how they clenched their hands, but you said nothing. Just listening as they spoke. 

        *Before Toriel, I'd never had anyone to care for me like she did. She treated me like her own child, made me snail pies, tucked me in at night... They trailed off, their gaze lingering on the stone doorways. 

"Did you have any family on the surface?" Your question hung in the air, and Frisk's eyes momentarily flickered to the distant horizon. A hesitancy lingered in the silence before they gently shook their head.

        *No. When I was two, I was abandoned at the doorstep of an orphanage in Ebbot. I had a few friends, but no one I really miss. Their eyes, once fixed on the horizon, now turned toward you *The monsters are my family now, and I'll do anything to get them to the surface.  A spark of determination ignited in their eyes, a flame fueled by an unyielding resolve. It wasn't merely a sentence; it was a promise. You smiled; there was something in Frisk you recognized in yourself, their promise sparking memories of your own. 

"I know you will," You reassured them; your grin faded into something softer as you placed a hand on their shoulder. The wind rustled through their short hair as they stared at you with an expression you couldn't quite recognize. "and trust me when I say you will see Toriel again," you added, your words carrying a quiet certainty.

The words hung in the silence as something akin to hope flashed across their face. Your only warning was their face scrunching before Frisk wrapped their arms around you. You stumbled from the unexpected force, patting their head with a silent chuckle when you regained your footing. 

A minute passed as you gently stroked your fingers through their short hair in what you hoped was a comforting manner. Their grip was tight; your coat balled up in their hands as Frisk buried their face into your chest. With a quiet exhale, they stepped back, allowing you the freedom to move once more. 

        *Thank you.  Your response was a nod, stuffing your hands back into the warm confines of your pockets. 

"We should probably head back, maybe go to that restaurant you were talking about." Frisk perked, eagerly nodding as they strode ahead, you following close behind. However, before they had taken even a couple of steps, they stopped, turning back toward you. Raising an eyebrow, you tilted your head. 

 "What is it?" 

        *You said before you and the shadow-bringer were banished from your universe. You stiffened, breath catching in your throat as an uneasy knot formed in your stomach.

Did Frisk know he's here, that I sent a murderer to their universe? Dread filled your gut, a sour taste on your tongue as you stared at the kid in apprehension. 

You gulped, shifting on your feet. "Yeah. I remember..." 

        *What about your family? Can you ever see them again?  You let out a breath, relief flowing through your veins as you slumped. That was until you remembered what they had asked you. You shook your head, another kind of emptiness taking residence in your chest, like a weight had found its place there. 

"Perhaps in another life." You murmured softly. The admission left a bitter aftertaste, a yearning for something irretrievably lost. Frisk blinked at you, and you forced yourself to smile with a shake of your head. “It's alright though. Because of me, they are alive, and that's all that matters." Frisk's eyes bore into yours, a flicker of understanding passing silently between you. 

In a way, we were so different, yet so similar. For both of us, there was nothing outside of the Underground. Frisk watched you, their lips twitching into a frown, until suddenly, they grabbed your hand.

        *If you want, you can be a part of my family. Eyes wide, you stared, your breath hitching. You waited as if expecting them to say something else, but they didn't, only staring at you with those eyes filled with unwavering sincerity and determination.  A warmth that wasn't there before filled you, a heat building behind your eyes as you tried to blink away your growing tears. As you ruffled their hair, you hoped they didn't catch the glisten of tears in your eyes.

"I'd be honored Frisk." Frisk swatted away your hand with a smile, shooting you a glare as they fixed the now fuzzy mess. Frisk's beaming grin, accompanied by their messy hair, lifted the weight from your chest, and this time, when you smiled, it was genuine. 

*          *          *          *          *  

Grillby's, as Frisk called it, was nestled in a quiet corner of the town of Snowdin. Frisk was the first to enter, and you swiftly followed after kicking your boots against the wood to remove the remnants of snow. When you enter, you are immediately met with the thick aroma of sizzling burgers, the tantalizing scent weaving through the air like a savory spell.

Soft, ambient lighting casts a warm glow, casting a golden hue over the rustic wooden tables and worn barstools. Monsters converse, occasionally interrupted by a roaring wave of laughter. The wooden floors bear the marks of countless footsteps, worn but sturdy, and at the bar counter, polished by years of use, sits a familiar skeleton. Frisk immediately spots Sans, running up to them as they slide onto a bar stool beside them. Sans blinks lazily, his grin widening slightly as Frisk rapidly signs to him. 

He chuckles, waving them to a stop. "slow down, kid; I can barely ketchup with you." With that, he lifts a ketchup bottle, wearing a mischievous grin as Frisk tries not to laugh. Sans sees through this, a smirk on his face as he takes a swig of the condiment. 

You grimace, nose crunching in disgust. Is he drinking ketchup... Unable to watch the bizarre sight any longer, you force yourself to move away from the doorway, your boots echoing softly against the floor. A peculiar hush descends upon the bar, and you become acutely aware of the monsters freezing in their tracks, their eyes glued onto your figure.

The sudden silence echoes loudly as you navigate your way to the bar, sliding into the only available seat that happens to be beside Sans. He shifts slightly, his eyelights zeroing in on you as the corners of his perpetual grin tighten. The air becomes thick with an awkward tension as you meet his gaze, feeling suffocatingly uncomfortable. It's clear that all the patrons in the bar are staring at you, their whispers dancing through the air. 

Suddenly, you feel hot, and with a slight cough, you slowly remove your winter jacket, instead tying it around your waist. Well, this is awkward. Trying to break the thick tension, you force a smile, playfully gesturing to the ketchup bottle currently in Sans's bony grip.

"You mustard be insane for drinking ketchup like that." Sans seems surprised, his eyelights glinting with amusement as his smirk reappears. Surprisingly, the one joke seems to have a ripple effect, calming the rest of the monsters as the chatter in the bar gradually returns to its lively state.

"heh, don't knock it till you try it, could be a rib-tickling experience." Sans quips back, taking another casual swig. You visibly gag, and he chuckles, placing the drink back down as he turns back to Frisk. 

You silently watch them talk, making a conscious effort not to interrupt. Sans may not care for you, but at least, for the moment, he doesn't seem inclined to attack you for simply blinking too fast. Feeling a sense of boredom settling in, your attention shifts, and at that very moment, you catch the bartender emerging from the backroom. Your mouth falls open as you stare at the literal living ball of fire making its way toward you. Your initial shock gives way to curiosity as he stops in front of Sans, sliding a plate with a burger and fries in front of the skeleton.

"thanks, grillby," Sans says, immediately stuffing a fry into his mouth. This was the first time you'd ever seen it open. A part of you even thought his teeth were permanently stuck that way. The skeleton senses your stare, turning toward you with a lifted brow. Your cheeks turn red, quickly adverting your gaze. 

"No problem, Sans." Grillby's words are muddied, somewhat drowned out by what sounds like the cracking of fire. The fire monster turns toward you, and unconsciously, you stiffen. "Who is this?" Grillby wonders, his voice low and soft. 

Sans shrugs, seeming bored as his eyelights land on the bartender. "that's [name]; they're staying with me and Paps for a while." Straightening, you send the fire monster a grin, extending your hand. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Grillby seems surprised, but it quickly fades as he takes your hand, giving it a hearty shake. To your relief, his hand doesn't burn; instead, it feels warm and surprisingly human-like.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady," Grillby says, pulling his hand back. With that, he returns to work, grabbing another plate of food and walking over to a table full of patrons in the corner, seamlessly blending into the lively customers. Sans resumes his conversation with Frisk, who seems to be animatedly signing something to him. From what you hear, Frisk is retailing their day with you. Your attention, however, shifts towards the flames dancing behind Grillby's glasses as he once again tends to the bar.

The chatter of monsters, the sizzle of burgers on the grill, and the occasional burst of laughter create a comforting symphony as your thoughts still. You find yourself settling into the warmth of Grillby's as a sense of peace settles over your bones, something you hadn't felt since you arrived in Snowdin. 

"You seem new here." A soft voice says, drawing you from your thoughts. You straighten, turning toward the newcomer to find a monster seated beside you. She was a yellow lizard-like creature, but to your surprise, she had no arms; all she had was a smooth lizard belly and two horns on her head.

"Name's Liz," she offers, nodding in your direction. You reciprocate the gesture, introducing yourself as the conversation between you and Liz flows effortlessly. She asks you questions about your time in the Underground, and you politely answer, asking her the same. She only laughs. A few minutes pass before Grillby sets a drink in front of her, and instead of grabbing it, it floats, engulfed in a light yellow. 

"It was a pleasure to talk to you. If you see me, feel free to say hi!" Liz says happily, sending you a toothy grin as she walks back to her table, the cup still floating above her. As you wave goodbye to Liz, Frisk nudges your shoulder, gesturing towards San as he leans against the bar.

        *Do you like stars? 

Frisk's question catches you off guard as you tilt your head. You follow their gaze to Sans, who is now glancing at the ceiling with a contemplative expression. Questions fill you, but instead of asking them you turn back to Frisk. 

"Yeah, I do." You answer, leaning your cheek into your hand. "In fact, I love them." You reply a grin on your lips. San's gaze drifted from the ceiling to you, and for a moment, his mask slipped, his eyelights trained on you. 

        *Sans has never seen them before, and I'm trying to explain how they look to him, but I can't seem to find the words. 

You nod, humming in contemplation. In an instant, you are transported back to those nights on the cliffside, gazing at the stars alongside someone you once considered a friend.

"First, imagine a black sky, void of anything, just black and clear. Then imagine a single twinkle in the sky, small yet somehow visible from where you stand. Then another, and another. And more and more until the whole sky is filled with specks of light. Some stand alone, burning brightly in solitude, while others form constellations, telling stories passed down from generation to generation." 

As you spoke about the stars, your attention shifted to Sans, and you noticed something peculiar in his demeanor. His normally lazy eyelights widened, a subtle glimmer of curiosity surfacing in his sockets. The perpetual half-smile that is always on his face seemed to soften.

"Some shine with a steady, unwavering glow, while others flicker like distant flames. Each one is unique, some of them even a different color." You pause, snapping out of your thoughts.

It's then you notice the audience you have gathered. Grillby himself, the living ball of fire, showed a hint of disbelief in the flickering flames behind his glasses. Frisk's eyes glowed with curiosity, absorbing every word with the innocence only a child could possess. While Liz, the lizard-like monster you had just met, watched with a warm smile, her tail swaying gently.

You swallow, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Staring at the stars reminds me of home, I guess." You finish awkwardly, shifting in your seat.

Sans is the first to break the silence, fiddling with the plate in front of him. "Sounds pretty out of this world." he quipped, his usual humor returning, but there was a lingering wistfulness in his words. A quiet acknowledgment of a distant desire. However, whatever you saw was quickly smothered as he masked the fleeting emotions that had momentarily surfaced.

You play along despite the way your chest hurts, offering him a weak smile. "You're not wrong." You laugh, your gaze softening. "One day, you'll see those stars for yourself, Sans." He raises a brow, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eye lights.

"doubt it, but who knows? life's full of surprises, after all." You locked eyes, and in that moment, you could see what he was unmistakably feeling.

Hope.

Quickly, as if catching himself, he turned, placing down his ketchup with a small thump. "we should prob head back; it's getting close to the kids' bedtime," he commented, ruffling Frisk's head. When he turned back to you, however, the warmth in his eyelights seemed to cool, a subtle detachment settling in.

"you coming with?" he asked, his tone blank. The glimmers of hope you had seen moments ago were now guarded, concealed again behind the familiar façade. 

"I'm good. I'll walk back," you replied casually, choosing not to reveal your desire to walk back alone, just in case a lingering scent of shadow magic caught your attention. He eyed you skeptically but ultimately shrugged, wrapping an arm around Frisk.

"no skin off my bones," He says, sending you a tight smile. You return it, as Frisk looks in between you both, sensing the tension with a raised brow. Without uttering another word, they and Sans vanished from sight, leaving you alone with your thoughts. With a sigh, you donned your coat and rose from your seat. Discouraged and silent, you exited the warm bar, greeted immediately by the biting cold against your cheeks. For a moment, you stand there. 

Once again, the weight in your chest returned, heavier than before. Standing in the chilly air, your breath came out in white puffs as you buried your hands into your pockets. For a minute, you had thought that perhaps you and Sans were becoming friends. But, no matter what you did, no matter what you said, it was like the monster was determined to hate you. Groaning in frustration, you kicked the snow in front of you, watching as it dispersed into a cloud of white.

I don't get it. What did I do to make him hate me so much? The gnawing feeling of loneliness surged in your gut, washing out any sense of joy you might've had. Talking about the stars like that had sparked memories you'd rather forget. Memories of a life you once had. Clenching your teeth, you ventured into the woods, your thoughts racing as you made your way back to the house.

The woods returned to thier quiet state, leaving you with your angry thoughts and fears to echo in the silence. It was only when the distinct sound of shifting snow rustling behind you that you stopped, brows furrowing in annoyance.

"What do you want?" you snapped, the crisp sound of your voice slicing through the quiet air. You paid no attention to the soft pop that sounded beside you. Flowey, with his stupid grin, appeared, his beady eyes narrowing as he deliberately placed himself in front of you.

"That's not a very nice way to greet a friend," he sneered, his tone a mocking blend of cheerfulness. Despite his words, his eyes remained devoid of emotion, a facade of sadness playing on his face. With a scoff, you glared down at him, your magic flaring.

"We aren't friends," you retorted icily. The twisted flower continued to smirk, his eyes unblinking as he stared at you with a peculiar intensity. A shiver not from the cold rushed down your spine, unease filling your throat. 

"And here I was trying to help you with your little problem," he chirped happily, a sinister sway in his movements as he rocked from side to side. Your eyes narrowed further, your posture unwavering as you stared down at him, the biting cold sinking into your bones.

"What problem?" you inquired, feigning nonchalance, though an uncomfortable twist gnawed at your gut, something you recognized to be dread. The flower's grin expanded into something more manic, seeming amused by your hatred. 

"You're looking for somebody," he declared with a chilling certainty. The blood in your veins ran cold, a gust of wind rustling through your hair as you stared in silent horror. Swiftly stifling the growing panic, you forced your magic to calm. Flowey, however, seemed to pick up on the change. His smile sharpened as he let out a cackle, the sound echoing through the wintry stillness.

"Seems I've caught your interest," he mused, reveling in the discomfort he had caused. Your fists clenched, teeth grinding as your disdain for this demonic plant intensified with each passing second.

"What do you know?" you demanded. The air grew colder as your words hung in the thickening tension. This time, Flowey erupted in laughter, his thorny vines convulsing as if he were hitting an invisible table beneath the snow. When his fit subsided, he stared up at you with an unsettling disbelief, his beady eyes gleaming maliciously.

"What, you think I'm just going to tell you?" The flower chortled, relishing in your growing anger. Weariness crept over you, your magical energy sparking as your palm emitted a soft blue glow, summoning your blade.

"Either tell me or stop wasting my time," you gritted. His game of riddles and twisted amusement had worn thin, and your patience dwindled with each passing moment. Flowey rolled his eyes, but the subtle quiver of his petals betrayed a growing sense of fear beneath his defiant facade.

"Now, now, no need for violence. I'll tell you, but only if you give me your soul after you fix your problem." His offer hung in the air, and you blinked in response. The tip of your sword dropped to the snow. Your laughter reverberated through the frosty forest, wheezing from your chest as Flowey glared up at you in disgust.

"Why are you laughing?" he growled, his thorny vines emerging from the snow. You coughed, your laughter fading into a few stray giggles as you attempted to regain your composure.

"You seriously think I would agree to that?" you spluttered, your sword dissolving in a flash of light. Boredom replaced amusement as you stepped over him, resuming your walk. "If he's here, I'll find him myself," you called back, the laughter in your voice fading as you tucked your hands into your pockets once more.

Flowey seemed stunned, his vines falling limply onto the snow. His wide eyes followed your retreating figure, disbelief etched across his face. Suddenly, snapping out of his stupor, he burrowed into the snow, reappearing right in front of you. 

"Don't ignore me!" he exclaimed, his form shaking in frustration. You slowed to a stop, lips pursed in a thin line. Leaning closer, you watched as unease crept across Flowey's twisted features. 

"What's his name?" you questioned. Flowey paused, confusion in his eyes. A sigh escaped you, your gaze hardening in annoyance. "The person I am looking for," you clarified.

Flowey wilted, averting his gaze as he mumbled, "W-well..." You interrupted him with a scoff, straightening as you stared down at him, boredom sprawled on your face.

"Next time you try to lie to me, maybe work on your acting.” With that, you continued down the path, the magic within you fading into nothing once more. Flowey turned, rage contorting his face as he cursed you out, promising you’d regret ignoring him. However, he made no move to chase after you, and eventually, his voice faded, unheard in the whistling wind of the forest.

Chapter Text

The rest of the walk back to the skeleton's brother's home was uneventful. As you reach the porch, you gently shake off any remnants of snow, kicking the steps twice for good measure. While the remainder of the walk was tranquil, your eyes were weary, shoulders slumped in defeat. 

As your hand brushed against the doorknob, Sans's cold gaze appeared in your mind, causing you to freeze as if time had suddenly come to a stop. For a moment, you silently stood there, snowflakes dancing gently behind you as they fell to the ground. Before your thoughts could wander, you shook your head, pushing open the door with a sharp creak. The corners of your mouth dipped as you stepped into the warmth of the house, quietly closing the door with a gentle click. 

"HELLO HUMAN! HOW WAS YOUR DAY EXPLORING?" Papyrus cheerfully greeted me from the kitchen. Quickly, you forced your expression into something more pleasant, simultaneously slipping off your snowy boots. Once you were sure there was no bitterness left in your gaze, you turned past the dining room and peeked into the kitchen to find Papyrus. 

He was cleaning, a dirty rag in his gloved hand as he passionately wiped down the counter. He didn't look at you as you walked in, but you were sure he knew you were there by the subtle way he slowed as if awaiting your response. 

"It was fun," you answered, leaning against the wall as you watched Papyrus work. “Frisk did a good job showing me around and such," you added. You decided not to mention the strange encounter with Flowey, not finding a good enough reason to bring it up. His grin widened at your answer as he twisted the towel over the sink, and mindlessly, you watched as the water droplets trickled down with faint drips.

"I'M GLAD YOU HAD A GOOD TIME." He answered happily, now moving to wipe down the dining table. Noticing a dish in his way, you forced yourself to move as you smoothly picked it up, spinning away before Papyrus could scold you. However, it seemed you weren't that lucky as he stopped his dutiful cleaning, his grin fading into a playful frown. 

Here we go again. Rolling your eyes with a smile, you turned on the sink faucet, awaiting the familiar speech Papyrus always gave you whenever you attempted to help. 

"HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU GUESTS SHOULD NOT..." His sentence trailed off, leaving only the sound of running water in the room. You paused at the feeling of his piercing gaze burning a hole through the back of your head, and you slowly shut the water off. Silently you turned, your brows furrowed in concern as your eyes connected with the skeletons.

His eyelights became bigger as you made eye contact, his hand falling off his hip as you both looked at one another. His usual grin was wiped off his face, his mouth slightly agape as he stared at you in what looked to be surprise. It was then you noticed he wasn't staring at you; he was staring at your coat. 

Eyes widening in realization, you immediately went to explain. "Sorry for using your coat. Frisk gave it to me because they said it was one of your old ones, but I should've asked you before I left." You apologized sheepishly, slipping the oversized orange-red jacket off your shoulders. Before you could slide it off completely, he intervened. 

"N-NO NEED HUMAN; YOU CAN WEAR MY OLD COAT!" Papyrus coughed out, staring back toward the wet dish in your hand. However, you didn't notice, too busy staring at the faint orange hue on his cheekbones. 

Is he blushing? Before you could ask, he swiftly moved toward you and snatched the plate from your grip. 

"Hey!" You objected, trying to reach for the unwashed dish; however, he easily lifted it out of reach, using his other arm to usher you out of the kitchen.

"YOU SHOULD GO TO BED. YOU'RE STILL HEALING AFTER ALL, AND I WOULDN'T WANT YOU STRAINING YOURSELF!" he insisted. You tried to dig your heels into the wood, but Papyrus was stronger and successfully forced you to the stairs. 

"Wait-" 

"GOODNIGHT HUMAN!" With cheeks still tinged orange, Papyrus retreated into the dining room, his scarf fluttering majestically behind him. Curiously, your gaze followed his figure as he turned out of view. A beat of silence hands in the air before you slowly shake your head, running a hand through your hair with a sigh.

Weird. You thought as you ascended the creaky wooden staircase. The closer to the top you got, the heavier your eyelids became. Groggily, you rubbed your eyes, a small yawn escaping you as you reached the top of the stairwell. The hallways were illuminated by flickering lights that cast shadows as you walked past. And your sluggish movement slowed as you approached a quaint door at the end of the hall. 

Swiftly, you knocked on Frisk's bedroom door and waited. Only when a soft, hollow knock sounded in response did you push open the door with a loud creak. Frisk, already nestled in bed, sleepily stared at you from underneath their thick blanket. Frisk's room wasn't anything special, just a small room with no windows, a bed, and a small closet in the corner. 

Trying to be quiet, you slid off the coat, grimacing as it crunched as you folded it over a chair. They didn't say anything as you slid onto the twin bed beside them, only sighing in content as they shuffled over to give you room.

 For the first couple of days, you insisted on sleeping on the couch. However, you underestimated the kid's persistence, and it wasn't long before you were sleeping in their room. You had no idea why the kid would be so determined for something as silly as that, but in the end, you didn't complain. As much as you didn't want to admit it, the mattress was a hundred times more comfortable than the tiny red couch downstairs. 

Lying on your back, eyes fixed on the wooden beams, Frisk shifted to lay into your side, hands gently gripping your shirt. Eyes soft, you moved your arm behind their head, mindlessly playing with Frisk's tangly hair. It wasn't long before their breaths gradually slowed, eyes fluttering shut as they eventually fell asleep. 

Your gaze drifted from the wooden beams to the ceiling, where shadows danced in the faint light. However, the quiet in the room did little to calm the storm of thoughts raging in your mind. Restlessness settled within you, a constant partner that refused to disappear. Your mind, like an overactive engine, refused to grant you any peace as questions and fears lingered, swirling in the dark corners of your mind. 

With a sigh, you turned your attention back to the kid, fingers still entangled in their hair. Home felt like a distant memory, and a gnawing feeling of displacement filled you. Your family danced in your thoughts, and you wondered how they were doing. Did they miss you? Did they even know what happened? 

Do they think I'm dead? The thought sent a cold chill up your spine. Your throat tightened as you forced your eyes closed. Perhaps it was better for them to think you were dead. In that way, they could move on. Still, images of a funeral belonging to you filled your mind, the weight in your chest returning with a hateful force. 

As minutes stretched into an hour, fatigue continued to tug at your eyelids. Eventually, exhaustion claimed its victory. Offering you a brief escape as you succumbed to sleep.

*          *          *          *          * 

Waking up in a cold sweat was never a pleasant way to wake up. Your nightmares were like relentless predators, always finding a way to sneak into your dreams, infecting them like a virus. They dive into the deepest recesses of your mind, dredging up twisted memories you'd rather leave untouched. Unfortunately, these unwelcome guests were frequent visitors, always disrupting the peaceful slumber you longed for.

As your eyes snap open, you're met with darkness. Your mouth felt parched, a primal fear coiling in the pit of your stomach, remnants of the nightmares that still lingered on the edges of your consciousness.

It was just a nightmare. You're alright; you aren't there anymore. You reminded yourself. Slowly, you focused on regulating each breath, trying your best to calm the panic crawling up your spine. You only stopped when your heart slowed, and the terror inside you faded. 

The rise and fall of Frisk's sleeping form beside you only relaxes you further, their soft snores a welcome distraction from your racing thoughts. Drawing comfort from their presence, you allowed yourself to relax slightly, the tension in your muscles slowly fading. With a soft sigh, you shifted your eyes upwards, fixing your gaze on the ceiling above. The darkness seemed to press in around you, suffocating you in its intensity, but you forced yourself to ignore the images that refused to go away. 

Your tongue felt like sandpaper against the roof of your mouth as you swallowed, a desperate attempt to quench the dryness that lingered there. Casting a glance at Frisk, you bite your lip, slowly removing your arm from underneath their head. 

Please don't wake up. Just as you remove yourself from underneath the blanket, the kid moves. With bated breath, you watch as they shift in their sleep, your heart skipping a beat as they turn toward the wall. 

When their steady snores resumed, you breathed a silent sigh of relief. Smoothly, you slipped out of bed and onto the cool wooden floor before gently setting the blanket back onto the slumbering child. With cautious steps, you quickly made your way to the door, the creak of its hinges loudly echoing through the silent house.

You held your breath, waiting for any sign of stirring from Frisk, but they remained blissfully unaware, lost in their dreams. With a final glance over your shoulder, you slipped through the crack in the doorway, closing it behind you with a soft click. You make sure your steps are light as you head downstairs, quickly sneaking into the kitchen for a much-needed glass of water. The glass is cool against your lips, the water immediately quenching the scratchiness in your throat. The cup is empty within a few seconds, and you mindlessly twist the cup in your hand before refilling it once more. 

Glass in hand, you make your way to the living room, resigned to the fact that sleep will elude you for the time being. The fireplace in the living room crackled as you slowly walk, taking another sip of your drink. However, as you step into the dimly lit room, your movements falter, the grip on the glass tightening at the sight of the skeleton perched on the couch. Only the top of his bony skull is visible over the furniture, but you can tell he is awake. 

"what brings you down here at this hour?" Sans's voice is casual, devoid of any accusatory edge, yet you can't help but feel a twinge of unease. Shifting on your feet, you approach the couch cautiously, finally standing beside it to meet his gaze. 

Sans is noticeably without his usual puffy coat; instead, he wears a loose white t-shirt. Without it, he seems smaller, somehow less intimidating. As he shifts to meet your stare, you notice the shadows beneath his eye sockets are deeper than usual. Not to mention, his eyelights seemed dimmer, the white hues tainted with grey. 

"Just needed a drink," you reply, the gentle clinking of ice against glass filling the room as you swish the water inside. He nods, only humming in thought as he looks away. Subtly shifting, he makes room for you on the couch, a silent invitation that you cautiously accept as you settle in beside him.

Outside, the snow falls gracefully, spinning in the wind as it blankets the ground. It's a familiar sight, one that offers a sense of calm despite your weariness. Your fingers tap lightly against the glass in your hand as your attention shifts to the water below you. 

"Trouble sleeping?" you ask carefully. Sans lets out a soft exhale, his eyelights flickering with a faint white glow as he shifts his gaze towards you.

"yeah, something like that," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. You take another sip of your drink, the cool liquid offering a brief break from the tension that lingers in the room. His behavior from only a few hours ago crosses your mind once more, and you frown, furrowing your brows in thought. 

"Is there a reason you don't like me? " The question escapes your lips before you can stop it, your grip on your cup involuntarily tightening. Though you avoid meeting his gaze, you can sense the way he stiffens beside you. 

"uh... who said I didn't like ya?" Sans responds, his voice tinged with uncertainty. As you finally turn to look at him, you catch a glimpse of guilt flashing across his face, fleeting yet unmistakable.

 "No one needed to say it," you reply softly, the implications of your words heavy as the tension in the room thickens. Sans shifted uncomfortably on the couch, his skeletal fingers fidgeting with the hem of his t-shirt 

"look, it's not personal," he began awkwardly, "i don't hate you or anything like that. it's just... i've got my reasons for being cautious." 

Your eyes soften, and a gentle wave of memories washed over you as a thick knot appeared in your throat. "I get it. More than you know," you replied quietly, your voice heavy. "Trust isn't something that comes easily after it's broken." Something shifts in Sans's demeanor, his eye sockets widening ever so slightly as if processing what you said. You could almost hear the questions swirling in his skull; however, instead of voicing them, he nodded.

"perhaps we're more alike than i thought." Sans mused, his voice almost a whisper as if speaking to himself rather than to you. You didn't comment, allowing the statement to hang in the air like a fragile thread. Your attention drifts back to the window, the soft glow of the fireplace casting shadows across the room.

A faint sigh escaped him, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly as his eyes met your own. "just... give me some time, okay?" As you turned to face Sans fully, you noticed a subtle shift. The iciness in his eyes had melted away, replaced by a warmth that mirrored the flickering flames in the fireplace. His smile, once strained and guarded, now was genuine, and you couldn't help but be drawn to it. 

"Okay." The tension that had lingered between you seemed to dissipate as Sans leaned back against the couch once more. In that moment, as silence settled around you like a comforting embrace, the weight in your chest disappeared, and your nightmare was all but forgotten. 

*          *          *          *          * 

When you awaken, hours have passed, and yet you have no idea what time it is. A yawn escapes you as you glance over to where Sans has fallen asleep, his rhythmic snores filling the room with each exhale. A small snort escapes you as you stand, stretching your hands over your head as your back cracks with a satisfying pop. Despite the slight soreness from the less-than-ideal sleeping arrangement, your mind feels surprisingly clear, free from the usual fog of exhaustion.

I can't remember the last time I felt so well-rested. You muse to yourself, a faint smile gracing your lips as you retrieve your empty cup from the table in front of you. As you straighten, soft thuds from upstairs draw your attention as you shuffle your way to the kitchen.

"Papyrus must be awake," you say to yourself, briefly running the cup underneath the faucet. In the time you'd been here, Papyrus had always been up before the rest of the Underground, most mornings even beating you to the punch. When you asked him why he decided to get up so early, he only exclaimed that "mornings were the best time to train" and "to wake up any later would be a waste of a day."

With a flick of your wrist, you rid the glass of excess water before carefully returning it to its rightful place on the countertop. Sure enough, your prediction proves true as Papyrus's tall form appears in the doorway, his grin as wide as ever.

"GOOD MORNING, HUMAN! I SEE YOU'RE ALREADY UP AND ABOUT!" He chirps, his voice accompanied by the distinct clack of his boots against the wooden floor.

"Good morning," you reply with a soft chuckle, unable to suppress the fondness in your voice. Perhaps it was foolish of you, but Papyrus emitted a warmth like no other, and it was hard not to grow attached.

"DID YOU SLEEP WELL?" He wonders, walking over to where you stand. You turn to face him, leaning your lower back against the countertop.

"I did. How about you?" You question, your gaze softening as you meet his.

"I HAD AMAZING SLEEP HUMAN! THANK YOU FOR ASKING." He responds with a wide smile, his joy contagious as he adjusts his signature scarf. As he fusses with his boots, you catch the fleeting glimpse of nervousness that flits across his face, a sharp contrast to his usual excitement. Sensing your stare, he straightens, clearing his non-existent throat with a self-conscious cough.

"I WAS WONDERING, SINCE YOU'RE ALREADY UP, WOULD YOU CARE TO JOIN ME FOR SOME TRAINING?" he asks tentatively, his orange eyelights shimmering with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Your heart swells with the tiniest bit of empathy as your eyes meet his, and you grin.

"You know, training sounds like just the thing to kickstart the day," you add with a light chuckle, gesturing towards the door with a nod of your head. Papyrus perks, his eyes widening in excitement. "Not to mention, I've been itching to get back into practicing magic. It's been way too long..." you confess to yourself. 

With a smirk, you push yourself off the counter, an excitement you hadn't felt in weeks coursing through your veins. "I'd love to join you, Papyrus!" 

 "OF COURSE YOU WOULD! WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO TRAIN WITH SOMEONE AS AMAZING AS I!" he declares proudly, though a flicker of relief flashes in his eyelights. With a dramatic flourish, he strikes a pose, and you laugh as you follow him outside. As you and Papyrus make your way to the clearing, a sense of anticipation hangs in the air, palpable with every step you take through the snow-covered landscape. Papyrus's bones literally rattle with anticipation the closer you get to his training grounds, and you can't help but start to feel energized as well. 

"I'M POSITIVELY THRILLED, HUMAN! YOU KNOW, YOU'RE THE FIRST PERSON BESIDES UNDYNE AND SANS WHO'S EVER TRAINED WITH ME!" Papyrus beams, and even though it is said happily, there's a hint of sadness in his eyelights. 

Yeah, I have to train with him every morning now. You think with a smile, playfully bumping into the tall skeleton. "Well, you better get used to me being out here; once you invite me, you can't get rid of me," you assure him, your voice filled with determination as you reach the clearing.

The training grounds stretch out before you, a field of snow untouched by trees or logs. With a nod of agreement, you take your positions on opposite sides of the open space, the snow crunching softly beneath your feet. The air is crisp and still, and you take a breath as your lungs fill with coolness. 

As you stare at each other, your hands twitch in anticipation, your chest twisting as the magic inside you flares to life. Papyrus wastes no time in summoning his signature bone attacks, sending them hurtling toward you with surprising speed and accuracy. Unfortunately for Papyrus, you're quick on your feet, jumping and weaving your way through his attacks. 

In retaliation, your eyes ignite in a vibrant blue, and with a twist of your wrist, the snow lifts in a twirl, compressing and hardening into spikes of their own as they come shooting for the monster. His mouth is tight in concentration as he dodges your attacks, blocking some of them with his wall of bones. 

With a twist, Papyrus lunges forward with a large bone in hand, aiming to catch you off guard, but you sidestep, your palm glowing as the handle of a blade appears. Bone and metal scrap against one another, and for a moment, time seems to be still. Your eyes meet, your breath coming out in a puff, both you and Papyrus's chests heaving from exertion as his breath fans across your cheeks. 

You don't have time to catch his blush before you shift his weapon to the ground, swinging your sword toward him. The spar continues in earnest, the clash of bone against water echoing through the clearing as you push yourselves to your limits. Papyrus employs more intricate bone magic, attempting to catch you off balance, but you remain vigilant, your water magic weaving around his attacks with practiced skill.

In a sudden burst of energy, Papyrus launches himself forward, unleashing a barrage of bones in a last-ditch effort to overwhelm you. But you are quicker than he expects, your hands glowing in color as your sword fades and your eyes become brighter. The snow around you melts suddenly, steam curling in the air from the sudden change. 

With a mighty roar, a wave of water crashes over Papyrus, knocking him off his feet and sending him sprawling into the snow. The rush of water cascades around him, its force pushing him back with surprising strength. He lands with a thud, the impact stealing the breath from his lungs as he lies there, stunned and breathless.

A breathy laugh escapes you as you watch him, the sound mixing with the soft crunch of snow beneath your feet as you approach your fallen opponent. Despite his disheveled appearance and the snow clinging to his bones, Papyrus's eyelights sparkle with a mixture of surprise and amusement as he looks up at you. 

"YOU'RE QUITE THE FIGHTER, HUMAN! I MUST SAY, I'M IMPRESSED BY YOUR SKILLS," Papyrus said, brushing away the snow and water off his bones. Chuckling in response, you return the compliment with equal sincerity.

"As am I, Papyrus. Your agility and quick thinking are unmatched, truly." Papyrus's sockets light up with pride at your praise, though he can't help but act bashful, rubbing the back of his skull with a sheepish grin. 

"YOU'RE TOO KIND." You take a moment to catch your breath, the chilly air filling your lungs as you survey the clearing. Nothing seems out of place, and once again, there is no sign of any lingering shadow magic. Feeling a gaze on the back of your head, you quickly snap out of it, clearing your throat. 

"Say, Papyrus," you begin, breaking the silence that hangs between you, "you're really skilled with your bone attacks. I'm impressed."

Papyrus beams at the compliment, his chest puffing out with pride, gis orange eyelights gleaming. "THANK YOU. I'VE BEEN PRACTICING FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR THAT MY EFFORTS HAVEN'T GONE UNNOTICED."

You observe him closely, noting the way his spine seems to straighten a fraction taller. “If you don't mind me asking," you begin, your voice gentle with curiosity, "Why do you train so much?"

"TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD!" Papyrus's declaration echoed through the clearing, his simple explanation prompting a thoughtful hum out of you. It wasn't the first time Papyrus had mentioned his desire to join the Royal Guard. Frisk had explained that the Royal Guard was a group tasked with bringing humans to the king. Because of this, it was somewhat perplexing why the skeleton wanted to join so much, considering Papyrus's gentle nature. It was difficult to imagine him ever harming a soul, let alone a child.

Despite your doubts, you stopped yourself from questioning him. “Well, you already seem strong enough to join," you remarked, offering him a reassuring smile. "In fact, I'd say you're more than ready."

Papyrus's expression softened at your words, a subtle sadness crossing his skeletal face. "IT'S NOT THAT SIMPLE." he admitted, "UNDYNE THINKS I'M TOO... SOFT AND COMPASSIONATE TO BE A PROPER MEMBER OF THE ROYAL GUARD. SHE TOLD ME I NEEDED TO TOUGHEN UP AND BE MORE RUTHLESS BEFORE I WOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE JOB."

A pang of sympathy tugged at your heart as you listened to his confession. As bad as you were at comforting others, you reached out a hand, resting it gently on his arm. 

"Undyne is wrong," you began, your voice steady as you stared into his sockets. "The best defenders are often the kindest. Strength comes in many forms, Papyrus. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." His gaze met yours, a mixture of surprise and gratitude reflected in his sockets. For a moment, the air between you thickens and awkwardly, you released your grip, a faint blush coloring your cheeks as you took a step back.

"Now, let's start walking back," you suggested. "Your brother might get worried if we're out here too long."

Papyrus's smile, though tinged with lingering emotions, seemed genuine as he nodded in agreement. "YOU ARE RIGHT," he chimed in, his tone filled with warmth. "HE DOES TEND TO WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT ME!" With a shared chuckle, you turned to make your way back, a comforting silence enveloping the both of you. 

Despite the lingering chill in the air, there was a warmth in your heart, one you hadn't felt in years. The realization comforted you yet scared you all at once. Stealing a glance at Papyrus, you noticed he was lost in thought, his brow was furrowed slightly, a faint crease appearing between his sockets. Before long, you found yourselves standing outside the cozy little house that Papyrus and Sans called home. The soft glow of candlelight spilled from the windows, casting warm shadows on the snow-covered ground.

"Thanks for the training session, Papyrus," you said, your voice filled with sincerity. "I had a great time."

Papyrus beamed at your words, his eyes shining with genuine pleasure. "THE PLEASURE WAS ALL MINE, HUMAN," he replied easily, nervousness flashing in his eye lights once more. "WOULD YOU MIND JOINING ME TOMORROW MORNING AS WELL?"

The hope in his voice sparked a thought, and before you could stop yourself, the words spilled out. "Of course, that's what friends are for."

Papyrus's sockets widened in surprise, his gloved fingers twitching slightly at his sides. "Friends?" he echoed, a note of uncertainty creeping into his tone. It was the quietest you had ever heard him, a vulnerability you had yet to see. 

You hesitated for a moment. The word "friends" felt so foreign on your tongue, and it had been so long since you had allowed yourself to form a true connection with another person, to let someone in past the walls you had built around your heart. But as you glanced at Papyrus, his expression open and earnest, you relented. 

"Yeah," you finally replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Friends." As the word left your lips, you felt a weight lift from your shoulders, replaced by something you couldn't quite place. 

Papyrus's surprise melted away, replaced by a gentle smile of his own. "FRIENDS IT IS, THEN," he declared, his voice filled with joy. "I'M GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS MY FRIEND, [NAME]."

"Me too." Perhaps you were making a mistake in opening your heart so easily, but as you and Papyrus walked into the house, beaming smiles on your faces, you couldn't find it in yourself to regret it.

Chapter Text

She was the first to find the creek, and she visited it every day. Not because it was peaceful or pretty. In fact, every time she came across it, dread filled her gut as she awaited the familiar sting of failure. The brook gurgled, flowing over the rocks as it traveled through the forest. It seemed to mock her as a leaf easily floated past her, disappearing quickly down a mini waterfall. Her eyes sharpened, glaring at the water in spite. 

She was told she possessed a rare ability. A water elemental destined to help those in need. However, her ability stubbornly refused to surface, even with the help of her mentor. She was twelve; she should have at least the slightest bit of control over her element by now. Shaping water should be as easy as drawing in a breath. Instead, her efforts gave her nothing but frustration and disappointment.

As she raised her hand once more, a flicker of hope sparked within her; perhaps this time would be different. But it wasn't. The water still continued along its merry way, unmoved by her attempts to control it. She groaned in frustration, kneeling down to grab a nearby rock and hurled it into the water with a small splash. 

"I give up!" No satisfaction came as it peacefully sank to the bottom, the kicked-up dirt settling once more. 

"I'm guessing the training's not going too well," a familiar voice chuckled from behind her. Unfazed by her friend's sudden appearance, she shot Caz an unamused glare as she flopped down onto the dirt. 

"Aren't you supposed to be training?" she grumbled, strands of her hair falling in front of her face. The male shrugged, finding a spot beside her. 

"Perhaps. Not like the Time and Space Lord going to notice." he teased, his dark eyes glinting. The girl rolled her eyes, gently pushing his arm in mock annoyance as her lips lifted slightly. 

"You know you shouldn't call our mentor that unless you want to run until your legs fall off," she retorted, teasing him right back. Caz shuddered at the thought, stealing a quick glance over his shoulder as if expecting their mentor to materialize out of thin. She almost laughed when he relaxed when he was met with nothing but forest.

"As long as you don't tell..." he said, a playful smirk dancing across his face. She smiled, but it was noticeably strained. Of course, Caz noticed the shift, his playful expression shifting into something much softer. 

"Hey, you'll get it eventually," he assured her. 

"Says the prodigy," she replied, her words sharper than she intended. Her chest tightened, the ugly monster of jealousy swirling inside her. His smile faltered, dark eyes flashing as they fell to the water below. The playful banter that had filled the air moments ago dissipated, leaving behind an uneasy silence. Quickly, the monster inside her dissipated, shifting into that of guilt. 

"I'm sorry," 

"I know," he replied, his smile returning, but this time lacking the carefree ease it had possessed before. There was a weight to his expression now, a burden carried by one who had grown to hate the word 'prodigy.'

Caz was a light elemental, a rarity even among our kind. His power was practically unmatched, and his potential limitless. Everyone around him always told him how lucky he was or how he was destined to become a great hero able to cast out the darkest of evils. But, even if he never told her outright, she knew he hated the attention. Hated the pressure that came from his parents. He was a prodigy, the chosen one, destined for nothing but greatness, and yet he felt trapped. Forced to play the part of a role he never wanted to play.  

[Name], on the other hand, felt small compared to him. No one expected greatness from her. It was a selfish longing, born of naivety and insecurity, but sometimes she couldn't help but wish she possessed the same natural talent Caz had. 

Determined to cheer him up, she forced her smile to brighten, springing to her feet. "Let's race. Whoever gets back to the lodge last does the other's share of chores," she declared, her eyes sparkling. He straightened, his own eyes flashing at the challenge as his smirk sharpened. 

"Deal," he agreed, the tension from moments ago melting away. With a mischievous grin, she rushed forward, not even waiting for him to get onto his feet. "Hey! That's cheating!" A laugh escaped her as he called after her, forcing herself to move faster as she heard his footsteps quickly catching up. With a whoop of excitement, they both ran, the tension between them all but forgotten. 

   *          *          *          *          * 

"FRIEND, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? YOU SEEM OUT OF IT." Papyrus's voice snapped you from your thoughts, pulling your attention from the small creek in front of you. Blinking, you tore your gaze from the water, offering Papyrus an easy smile.

 "Sorry, I was just lost in thought for a second." It wasn't a lie. This morning's training session left you more tired than usual, and your mind had decided to wander. If memory served you correctly, which you were sure it did, this was the tenth time you've trained with Papyrus.

He'd definitely improved since the first time you sparred with him. Apparently, even Undyne had mentioned his improvement, and for the rest of the day, he was beaming with joy. You were, of course, proud of him. Even though you had yet to meet this Undyne, Papyrus talked so highly of. 

The concern in his orange eyelights faded, melting away beneath the warmth of your smile as he returned it with his trademark, beaming grin. "IF THAT'S THE CASE, WANNA RACE BACK?" he suggested eagerly. The sudden question caught you off guard, but your surprise didn't last long as a familiar thrill sparked inside you. 

"You're on." With that, the two of you took off, your feet crunching against the powdery snow as you bounded through the forest. You knew how fast Papyrus was, but his sheer speed surprised you as he quickly passed you with a loud "NYEH HEH HEH." Teeth gritting, you forced yourself to move faster. If you were a normal human, you'd have no chance of catching up. Luckily, you were more than a normal human.

With each stride, you closed the distance between you both, soul thrumming with each step. As you finally arrived back at Papyrus's house, you found yourself trailing just behind him, beaten by the smallest margin. Your lungs heaved as you attempted to catch your breath, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through your veins. Despite the sting of defeat, you couldn't help but smile as Papyrus pumped his fist victoriously, his grin stretching from (metaphoric) ear to ear. 

"IT SEEMS I'VE BEATEN YOU, FRIEND. PERHAPS YOU WILL HAVE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME." His unsaid challenge for tomorrow sparked the competitive fire inside you as your lips twisted into a smirk. 

"Savor your victory for now." You threaten playfully, looking over your shoulder as you open the door. Papyrus chuckled in response, quick to follow in your footsteps. 

"NO NEED; I'LL SAVOR IT TOMORROW," he teased, his gloved hand darting out to playfully boop you on the nose. You raised an eyebrow at his antics, shaking your head with a fond exasperation as you swatted away his hand. Before you could retort, however, a low voice interjected from the couch, drawing both of your attention. 

"i place my bet on paps." Sans chimed in, his grin stretching lazily across his skull as he lounged on the furniture. Eyebrows raised you lean forward, hand on your chest. 

"I'm wounded, Sans," you declared, taking slow, deliberate steps toward him. Sans merely shrugged in response, unbothered by your theatrics. 

"you have to admit my bros the best. nothin gets under his skin." Sans says, winking. Papyrus groans, his smile fading as it shifts into annoyance. 

"SANS, NO!!!" Papyrus protested with a theatrical wail, throwing his arms up in mock despair. Sans's smirk only widened, the glint in his eyelights unmistakable.

"come on bro, don't tell me you're getting rattled this easily," Sans teased. With a huff of indignation, Papyrus turned on his heel, making a show of storming off toward the kitchen as his scarf fluttered behind him.

"YOUR PUNS ARE TERRIBLE!" he yelled over his shoulder. The smaller skeleton only chuckles, and you can't help but join in as Papyrus fades from view. Sans's chuckles slowly fade, and he turns his attention back to you. 

"so, what brings you guys back so early?" You settle onto the couch beside him, still catching your breath from the race.

"Papyrus and I finished our training session a bit early," you explained, taking a moment to steady your breathing. "We also decided to run back, which probably shaved off some time."

Sans nodded, leaning back into the cushions. It kind of freaked you out how much more at ease he seemed around you compared to when you first arrived. While his wariness hadn’t vanished entirely, it was obvious in the way his stare occasionally lingered on you a bit too long or how he subtly positioned himself to keep an eye on you whenever you were near Papyrus; it was clear he was making an effort to trust you.

He shifted slightly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "sounds like a good time. paps seems like he's improving." 

You smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, he really is. He's come a long way in a short time." Awkwardly, you tapped your fingers against the fabric beneath you, your gaze drifting toward the stairway. Now that you think about it, Frisk hadn't been in bed when you woke up; at the time, you didn't think much of it. But now that you still hadn't seen them, you were starting to worry. 

"Where's Frisk? I haven't seen them all morning." You wonder. 

"they went out earlier. said they had something to take care of." He said, shrugging nonchalantly.

A flicker of confusion crosses your face. "Out? This early? Did they say where they were going?"

Sans shook his head. "nah, just mentioned they had some things to do. knowing the kid, they're probably off doing something nice for someone. you know how they are."

You frowned, a bit uneasy. "I guess, but... it’s not like them to go out without saying anything. Maybe I should go look for them."

Sans stretched, his movements lazy and unhurried. "heh, no need to worry too much. The kid can take care of themselves." His tone was reassuring, but your gut still twisted. Frisk often left to help monsters, their knack for appearing exactly when needed was almost uncanny. Taking a deep breath, you forced yourself to relax. Sans was right. Frisk had been in this world much longer than you had and knew their way around. They were resourceful and resilient, qualities that had undoubtedly kept them safe thus far. Still, you couldn't help but feel as if it was your responsibility to keep them safe. 

"Yeah, you're right," you conceded, leaning back into the couch as you forced yourself to ignore the worry building inside you.

Sans glanced at you, his expression softening ever so slightly. "look, I get it. you care about the kid. we all do. but they're tougher than they look."

Your tension eased further at his words, and you found yourself nodding. "I know. It's just hard not to worry sometimes."

"Tell me about it," Sans muttered, his smile widening. "Paps gives me gray hairs, and I don't even have hair."

You laughed at that, the tension in the room dissipating further. The scent of something cooking wafted in from the kitchen, probably another one of Papyrus's culinary masterpieces. You were surprised to find out he wasn't always good at cooking; in fact, according to Frisk, his food was once practically inedible. Apparently, it was only until Frisk had fallen down and informed him how to not cook as "passionately," whatever that meant, the skeleton improved. 

As if summoned by your thoughts, Papyrus emerged from the kitchen, his face lighting up as he saw the two of you still on the couch.

"AH, THERE YOU ARE! I'M MAKING MY FAMOUS FRIENDSHIP SPAGHETTI! IT'LL BE READY SOON!" he announced, wearing his "cookin' and good lookin," apron his brother had gotten him. 

You grinned. "Sounds great, Paps. Can't wait to try the infamous spaghetti everyone's been telling me about." His smile widened, his cheekbones turning the tiniest bit orange. 

"I'LL TELL YOU WHEN IT'S DONE, FRIEND!" With that, he disappeared back into the kitchen, the clanking of pots and pans following his departure. As the scent of spaghetti grew stronger, you leaned back into the cushions, finally allowing yourself to fully relax—

"FRIEND, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? YOU SEEM OUT OF IT." Papyrus's voice snapped you from your thoughts, pulling your attention from the small creek in front of you. Blinking in confusion, you found yourself standing by the familiar stream. You turned, staring at your surroundings, the snow falling gently around you, before staring back down at the creek.

How did I get here?

"[NAME]?" Quickly, you tore your gaze away from the water, flashing a puzzled smile toward the skeleton.

"Sorry... I was just lost in thought for a second," you murmured, your mind racing. The scene felt eerily familiar, like a half-remembered dream. I had just been in Papyrus's house, hadn't I? No, wait. Didn't we just finish training? 

You shook your head, trying to clear the fog in your mind. I must've trained too hard; maybe I need to scale back tomorrow. The snow around you, the crispness of the air, and the quiet forest all felt normal, but you couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Papyrus, seemingly oblivious to your inner turmoil, grinned. 

"IF THAT'S THE CASE, WANNA RACE BACK?" he suggested eagerly. Staring at him for a moment, eventually, you smirked. 

"You're on." As you raced back, you tried to push down the strange feeling in your gut. Papyrus even managed to beat you by a fair distance, even having to wait a little while for you to catch up. Despite the sting of defeat, you couldn't help but smile as Papyrus pumped his fist victoriously, his grin stretching from (metaphoric) ear to ear. 

"IT SEEMS I'VE BEATEN YOU, FRIEND. PERHAPS YOU WILL HAVE BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME." Papyrus says, swiftly opening the door as he strides inside. 

"Savor your victory for now. I'll beat you next time." You threaten playfully, quickly following him in his footsteps. 

"NO NEED; I'LL SAVOR IT TOMORROW," he teased, his gloved hand darting out to playfully boop you on the nose. You raised an eyebrow at his antics, shaking your head with a fond exasperation as you swatted away his hand. You turn to the couch, for some reason waiting for Sans to speak up. 

"i place my bet on paps." Sans chimed in. Eyebrows raised, you lean forward, hand on your chest.

"I'm wounded, Sans," you declared, taking slow, deliberate steps toward him. Your chest tightened, a wave of deja vu hitting you like a ton of bricks. Sans merely shrugged in response, unbothered by your theatrics. 

"you have to admit my bros the best. nothin gets under his skin." Sans says, winking. Papyrus groans, his smile fading as it shifts into annoyance. 

"SANS, NO!!!" Papyrus protested with a theatrical wail, throwing his arms up in mock despair. His scarf flared out dramatically as he turned to face you both, but Sans's smirk only widened. The glint in his eyelights was unmistakable, though this time, there was a weariness to them. You blinked, your smile fading slightly.

This time? You barely registered Sans shooting out another pun. It was as if you were caught in a loop, each word and action a replay of something you couldn't quite remember. Papyrus stormed into the kitchen, his dramatic exit followed by, "YOUR PUNS ARE TERRIBLE!" Sans's chuckles slowly faded, and he turned his attention back to you. Slowly, you sat on the couch beside him, feeling dizzier by the second. For a moment, his eyelights narrowed as if studying you, before they shifted back to their usual lazy, half-lidded state.

"so, what brings you guys back so early?" he asks, his voice light. 

"Papyrus and I finished our training session a bit early," you explained, forcing yourself to sound natural. "We also decided to run back, which probably shaved off some time." The words slipped out automatically, as if on autopilot. 

Sans nodded, leaning back into the cushions. "sounds like a good time. paps seems like he's improving."

You smiled, even though it didn't quite reach your eyes, as you nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he really is." Awkwardly, you tapped your fingers against the fabric of the couch, your gaze drifting toward the stairway. "Where's Frisk? I haven't seen them all morning."

Sans's eye sockets widened slightly before he shrugged. "they went out earlier. said they had something to take care of."

A flicker of confusion crossed your face. "Out? This early? Did they say where they were going?"

Sans shook his head. "nah, just mentioned they had some things to do. knowing the kid, they're probably off doing something nice for someone. you know how they are."

You frowned, a bit uneasy. "I guess, but... it’s not like them to go out without saying anything. Maybe I should go look for them."

Sans stretched, his movements lazy and unhurried. "Heh, no need to worry too much. The kid can take care of themselves." His tone was reassuring, but you couldn't shake the lingering worry. Frisk often left to help monsters; their knack for appearing exactly when needed was almost uncanny. Nonetheless, your instincts screamed at you something was wrong. 

"Yeah, you're right," you conceded, but the uneasy feeling remained. You stood up from the couch, brushing off imaginary dust from your clothes. "Still, I think I'll just take a quick look around. Can't hurt to be sure."

Sans's eyelights followed you, his expression unreadable. "alright. just come back soon. i think paps is gonna make his spaghetti."

You gave him a reassuring smile. "I won't be long."

 *          *          *          *          * 

You make your way through Snowdin, greeting familiar faces as you search for Frisk. The town is blanketed in fresh snow, the morning air crisp enough to turn your breath into visible puffs of vapor. You wrap your arms around yourself, more out of worry than the cold. Despite checking almost every nook and cranny in Snowdin, there's still no sign of them. Everyone you've asked has seen no trace of Frisk, and the mounting tension gnaws at you.

Soon enough, you find yourself standing in front of Grillby's, the last place you had yet to check. The warmth of Grillby’s contrasts sharply with the chilly air outside, filled with the soft buzz of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses. A quick glance around confirms your fears. Frisk is nowhere to be seen. The hope in your chest fizzles out like a dying ember as you approach the bar where Grillby himself is polishing a glass. 

"Hey, Grillby," you greet, fingers drumming nervously on the countertop. "Have you seen Frisk this morning?"

Grillby pauses before nodding. "Yes, they were here earlier. Seemed in a bit of a hurry. Mentioned something about going into the woods."

A frown creases your forehead, your fingers stilling as you process this. "The woods? Did they say why?"

Grillby shakes his head. "No, they didn’t. Just that they had something to take care of. Looked like they were on a mission." He chuckles softly, but you don't smile. Your frown deepens, the worry in your heart intensifying. Sensing your distress, Grillby seems about to say something, but you turn away, heading for the door.

"Thanks, Grillby," you say hastily, practically running as you push the door open.

Outside, a new sense of urgency drives you. You scan the snowy ground, quickly spotting a set of footprints leading away from Grillby’s and towards the edge of town into the woods. Following the tracks, you quicken your pace, your heart pounding with worry.

The footprints lead deeper into the forest, where the trees grow denser and the air colder. The silence is broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the distant calls of Froggits. The trees cast long shadows in the dim light, and your apprehension grows with every step. Suddenly, you hear a commotion ahead, a mixture of angry shouts, and the sound of snapping branches. Picking up your pace, you run towards the noise. Soon, you see Frisk sprinting towards you, their eyes wide with fear.

"Frisk!" you call out, relief flooding your voice. They seem surprised to see you, stumbling as they run.

        *RUN!

Relief shifts into horror. Your feet move on their own, driven by instinct. Behind them, you hear branches cracking and see something blue flying towards Frisk. Your arm reaches out, the snow around you darting forward in a desperate attempt to protect them, but you're not fast enough. The spear hits them in the back, piercing through their chest. Time seems to stop, your body going numb with shock as you watch Frisk collapse to the ground. The ice forms a barrier, blocking whoever was chasing them, their screams echoing through the forest as they pound against the wall.

"No. No, no, no, no," you mutter, rushing forward and grabbing Frisk’s face, your hands trembling as you try to slow the flow of blood. "Kid, you're gonna be fine." Tears blur your vision as their eyes stare lifelessly at you, mouth agape. The spear protrudes grotesquely from their back, lodging into the snow below. You slap their cheek gently, frantically trying to freeze the wound, but it's no use.

"Frisk. Say something. Come on, kid, you can't..." Your voice breaks, the words choking in your throat as you cradle them in your arms—

"FRIEND, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? YOU SEEM OUT OF IT."  Papyrus's voice snapped you from your thoughts, pulling your attention from the small creek in front of you. Blinking in confusion, you found yourself standing by the familiar stream. You turned, staring at your surroundings, before your gaze falls back to the stream.

This felt familiar, too familiar. You know you've been here before. You just can't remember. Wasn't I looking for somebody? No, I just finished training with Papyrus. Where's Frisk? You stared at your hands, your brows furrowing. Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? Chest tightening, you let out a breath, staring into the forest. 

"[NAME]?" Quickly, you tore your gaze away from the woods, turning to Papyrus. When you smile, it's strained, your knuckles turning white as your fists clench. 

"You should go back without me; I forgot I needed to go into town real quick." You don't give the skeleton a chance to respond as you stride into the forest. As you walk, the cold air bites into your skin, sharpening your senses. The snow crunched under your feet, each step a reminder of the strange, nagging feeling that something was off. The forest was quiet, too quiet.

Just as you were about to walk into town to ask some monsters if they'd seen Frisk, small indents in the snow caught your attention. Your brows furrowed, the magic in your soul flaring. Frisk needs my help. I need to find them. Swiftly, you followed the trail, your steps so light you couldn't even hear the crunch of snow. 

"Frisk?" you called out, your voice echoing through the trees. There was no response, only the sound of the wind rustling the branches, a whisper of movement that felt more eerie than comforting. You sighed, almost feeling silly for wandering out here alone. You trusted Frisk to handle themselves, and you knew they could. But no matter what you told yourself, you knew something was wrong. For some reason, you felt like you needed to stop something bad from happening. But for the life of you, you couldn't figure out what it was. 

"Frisk!" you called out again, more urgently this time. The silence that followed was deafening. With a sharp inhale, you moved faster, almost at a jog, as you followed the footprints. You don't know how long you followed them before they stopped as if the kid was suddenly plucked from the sky. 

Heart pumping, you screamed their name once more, eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of the young human. The snow-covered ground seemed undisturbed, as if no one had passed through there in ages. You felt a growing sense of dread, the knot in your throat almost choking you. 

Suddenly, you heard a faint sound, a rustling in the bushes to your left. You turned sharply, your heart pounding in your chest. "Frisk?" A small figure emerged from the bushes, their familiar blue and purple striped shirt immediately recognizable. Relief flooded through you as you rushed forward.

"Frisk! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for-" It was then you noticed the kid was sprinting toward you, grabbing your hand as they pulled you forward almost desperately. 

        *RUN!

The words ripped into your soul, your body filling with primal fear as they gestured frantically behind them. Branches cracked behind you, and suddenly, something blue flew in Frisk's direction. Without another thought, you pushed Frisk aside, summoning your sword in a flash of light and knocking it to the side. With a start, you realized it was a spear, and from the feel of it, you could tell it was made of magic.

"HUMAN, STOP RUNNING AND LET ME KILL YOU!" A voice roared, filled with fury. A blue fish monster burst through the underbrush, an eyepatch covering one eye, with bright red hair pulled up into a ponytail. She looked murderous, charging forward with another spear in hand, eyes locked onto you and Frisk.

"Frisk, run!" you shouted, your voice echoing through the forest. You gave them a firm push, urging them to flee. For a moment, Frisk hesitated, their wide eyes reflecting fear and uncertainty. Then, with a determined nod, they turned and sprinted through the thick snow, their small figure quickly blending into the wintery landscape.

The fish monster let out a guttural growl, her eyes blazing with a predatory gleam as she lunged at you. Her speed was astonishing, a blur of motion that nearly took your breath away. You barely managed to raise your sword in time, parrying her spear with a resounding clash. The impact reverberated up your arm, a shockwave of force that made your muscles tremble, but you held your ground.

"Another human!? Why are you bigger than the other one?" she demanded, her voice a harsh snarl. You didn't answer, your focus narrowing as your eyes flared blue with determination. You shoved her blade aside and, in less than a second, flung snow into her face. She staggered back, growling and furiously wiping at her eyes, momentarily blinded.

In her disorientation, she conjured spears that materialized from thin air, hurtling towards you with lethal speed. You sidestepped, the icy projectiles whizzing past so close it brushed against your cheek. Rushing forward, you closed the distance between you, your sword flashing in the pale light of the snowy forest.

The battle became a deadly dance, each of her spear thrusts met by the precise swing of your sword. Sparks flew as metal met magic, the sounds of combat mingling with the silence of the woods. 

"I'm getting my soul one way or another, punk! Give up, and I'll spare the other human you're so desperately trying to protect." She snarled, her mouth twitching into a smirk.

"I'm not giving up!" you shouted. Your chest contracted and twisted as you forced her back, calling upon the water from a nearby creek. It responded to your will, rising in an arc and wrapping around your arm like a living serpent. With a flick of your wrist, you sent it crashing towards her.

Her exposed eye widened in shock as the wave of water struck her, knocking her off balance. She stumbled, giving you the moment you needed. You surged forward, your boot connecting with her wrist and sending her spear flying. With your blade at her throat, you stood panting, both of you locked in a tense standoff. She made a move to attack, but you pressed the blade closer, a silent threat that kept her still.

But the respite was brief. With a ferocious growl, she shoved you back and conjured another spear with blinding speed. Her sudden attack caught you off guard, and pain erupted in your side as her spear sliced through your shirt, cutting into your flesh. You gasped, hissing in pain, but refused to retreat. Instead, you countered with a swift thrust of your sword, the blade grazing her arm and drawing a thin line of blood.

"You fight well for a human," she snarled her voice a mix of anger and grudging respect. "But I won't lose to you!"

You clenched your teeth, the throbbing pain in your side intensifying with every movement. "We'll see about that."

The battle surged with renewed fury, both of you exchanging blows in a fierce dance of survival. Her spear lashed out, striking your leg and sending you stumbling to one knee. Gritting your teeth against the pain, you swung your sword in a wide arc, the blade slicing into her shoulder. She grunted in pain, blood seeping through her armor and staining the snow beneath her feet.

Gasping for breath, you focused your energy, feeling the snow around you respond to your will. The powdery white crystals hardened into sharp ice shards, which hovered in the air at your command. With a flick of your wrist, you sent them hurtling towards her. She spun her spear in a blur, deflecting most of the shards, but a few found their mark, grazing her skin and drawing thin lines of blood. She roared in fury, her eyes blazing as she charged at you, spear aimed straight for your heart.

Time seemed to slow as you raised your sword just in time to deflect the lethal blow. The impact jarred your entire body, the force of it nearly causing you to lose your grip on your weapon. Desperation fueled your next move. Summoning every ounce of strength left, you heated the snow around you, forming a massive wave that rose and crashed down upon her. The sheer force threw her back, her spear clattering to the ground as she hit the snow with a grunt.

Before she could recover, you were upon her, your sword at her throat once more. She glared up at you, her breathing ragged, her one good eye filled with unbridled anger and defiance.

"Why don't you finish it?" she spat, venom dripping from her words.

You hesitated, your mouth dry, your grip tightening on the hilt of your sword. This was the moment you could end it. Your heart pounded in your chest, every beat echoing in your ears. But as you stared at the living being beneath you, something held you back.

"I can't," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart. With a sigh, you lowered your sword, stepping back but keeping your gaze fixed on her.

"I don't want to kill you," you said softly.

Her slitted eyes narrowed in suspicion, her body coiled like a spring ready to snap. "You're... sparing me?" she asked, incredulous.

You nodded the magic within you urging to be used. "Yes. Now leave, and don't come after Frisk again." For a moment, she seemed to be battling with herself, her eyes locked on yours. Slowly, she stood, her form tense and wary. With a final snarl, she snatched up her spear and vanished into the forest, disappearing into the shadows. 

As the adrenaline began to fade, you took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. Once you were sure the monster was gone, you slowly trudged back through the snow toward Papyrus and Sans' house. The pain in your side throbbed with each step, but you forced yourself to keep moving. It wasn't long before the house came into view, and with a sense of relief, you pushed open the front door. The warmth of the house envelops you, and before you can take another step, Frisk comes barreling into you, their small arms wrapping around your waist in a tight hug.

"Frisk," you groaned softly, trying to mask the pain with a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really." Frisk looked up at you with wide, worried eyes.

        *You’re hurt!

"I'm okay," you insisted, reaching down to gently ruffle their hair. "Just a little bruised, nothing serious." But as you spoke, their gaze flicked to the blood staining your side, their expression fading back to its neutral state. You sighed, about to explain, when Papyrus rushed forward, his eyelights wide with alarm.

"WHAT HAPPENED? YOU'RE HURT! HERE, SIT DOWN!" His voice was frantic as he guided you to the couch, his hands hovering uncertainly as if unsure where to touch you without causing more pain. Sans, who had been lounging on the couch, immediately straightened up at the sight of you. His usually laid-back demeanor was replaced with a look of obvious worry, his eyelights narrowing as he took in your disheveled appearance.

"what's going on? what happened out there?" he asked, his tone more serious than you’d ever heard it. Taking a deep breath, you settled onto the couch, wincing slightly as you shifted your weight.

"I had a bad feeling, so I went to find Frisk. I saw them getting chased by a fish monster."

Papyrus cringed, somehow his face seeming paler than before. "A FISH MONSTER? OH NO... THAT MUST HAVE BEEN UNDYNE."

You blinked, the name slowly registering in your mind. "Undyne?" you repeated, looking between Papyrus and Sans. The realization hit you. Undyne, the captain of the Royal Guard and a close friend of Papyrus's. Papyrus nodded, looking somewhat guilty.

Papyrus nodded, looking a bit guilty. "YES, UNDYNE. SHE'S... WELL, SHE'S VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT PROTECTING MONSTERS FROM HUMANS. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET YOUR SOUL ."

You grunted, shaking your head slowly. "Not at first. Originally, she was trying to steal Frisk's soul. I don't even think she knew I existed until I jumped in to help." You felt a flutter in your chest as you glanced at the smaller skeleton sitting beside you. Sans's eyelights were fixed on your chest, his expression unreadable. Before you could say anything, he sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"undyne can be pretty intense. what exactly happened?" You recounted the events in detail, starting from the moment you saw Frisk running through the snow to the intense battle with Undyne. As you spoke, you noticed Sans's eyes narrowing slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. Papyrus listened intently, his hands wringing together nervously.

"...And then I managed to disarm her," you concluded, "but I didn't want to kill her. I told her to leave and not to come after Frisk again."

Papyrus let out a breath of relief. "I'M GLAD YOU'RE BOTH SAFE. BUT UNDYNE... SHE WON'T TAKE KINDLY TO BEING SPARED. SHE MIGHT SEE IT AS AN INSULT."

Sans nodded in agreement. "yeah, she's not the type to back down easily. she's tough, and she's got a lot of pride. sparing her might make things... complicated."

You sighed, leaning back against the couch. "I did what I thought was right. I didn't want to kill her. It didn't feel right." Frisk, who had been quietly listening, hugged you tighter.

        *Thanks for protecting me. I know you did the right thing. 

 You smiled, ruffling their hair again with a sigh. "Thanks, kid." Papyrus knelt beside the couch, taking off his gloves as he carefully took your hands in his. His mouth was a thin line, his orange eyelight fixed on the injuries on your arm. Warmth filled your body, rushing through your veins as his hands glowed. Your eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring the feeling of his magic.

"WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL. UNDYNE WILL PROBABLY COME BACK, AND SHE MIGHT NOT COME ALONE NEXT TIME. WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED."

Sans nodded, his usual nonchalance replaced with a rare moment of seriousness. "we'll figure it out. but for now, you need to rest. that was a pretty intense fight, and you're hurt."

You nodded, feeling the exhaustion wash over you. "Yeah, I could use some rest."

Papyrus stood up, determination in his eyes. "I'LL MAKE SOME SPAGHETTI! THAT ALWAYS MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER!"

Despite everything that happened, you couldn’t help but smile. "Thanks, Papyrus. That sounds great."

As Papyrus bustled into the kitchen, you leaned back against the couch, Frisk still clinging onto your side. You let out a breath, slowly running your fingers through their soft hair as they nuzzle deeper into you. Sans watched you both before sighing, scratching his phalanges against his skull. 

"i'm... glad you're okay." Eyes wide, you stared at him. He wasn't looking at you, his cheeks lightly dusted in blue. The more you looked at him, the more tired he seemed. His eyebags were darker than before, and his smile downturned as he stared at the table below him. Your shock faded into something else as you shifted closer to him, leaning against his side. 

He stiffened, his eyelight dilating in surprise. "Thanks," you murmured. Slowly, he relaxed, his arm moving behind you as he scooted the slightest bit closer. As exhaustion washed over you, you closed your eyes for a moment. 

A strange feeling gnawed at you, pushing you to act. You couldn't explain it, but you knew Frisk was in danger, and you had to go into the woods. Memories of a day that never happened floated in your mind, but you brushed them aside. Today had been far from normal, and you sensed it was just the start of something bigger.

Chapter Text

Sans didn't say anything as you continued to lean against him, his bony shoulders surprisingly comfortable. His usual lazy grin was absent, replaced by a look of concentrated indifference. He seemed determined to ignore your presence entirely, his eyes half-lidded in a way that suggested he was trying to focus on anything but you.

Pots and pans clanging were the only things to interrupt the silence as the tantalizing smell of spaghetti wafted into the living room. Feeling your stomach rumble and your mouth salivating, you decided it was time to get up. You carefully shifted, making sure Frisk was now lying on Sans. It was then he finally looked at you, the lingering signs of embarrassment washing from his cheekbones.

"where ya going?" he asked. You smiled warmly, heading for the kitchen, as the excitement of tasting Papyrus' cooking gave you a little spring in your step.

"Just going to see if Papyrus needs any help," you replied easily. The skeleton grinned, shaking his head knowingly. 

"we both know he's just going to tell you to rest." There was a playful challenge in his voice, one that always brought a smile to your face and a warmth to your cheeks. You couldn't help but smirk, walking backward towards the kitchen, ready to prove him wrong.

"I don't know. I can be pretty stubborn," you retorted, sending him a wink. He snorted, the sound jolting Frisk, who murmured something in their sleep before settling back down.

"if you say so, bud." His white eyelights flickered, the corners of his smile twitching as if holding back a laugh. Perhaps childishly, you stuck your tongue out at him before turning on your heel. As you entered the kitchen, the rich, savory smell of spaghetti enveloped you, making your mouth water even more. Papyrus was bustling around the kitchen, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm. His tall, lanky frame moved with surprising grace as he tended to various pots and pans; his signature red scarf fluttered with every movement.

"AH, FRIEND!" Papyrus exclaimed, his face lighting up with delight as he saw you. "YOU'RE JUST IN TIME TO WITNESS THE GREAT PAPYRUS'S CULINARY MASTERPIECE!" You chuckled, stepping closer to peer into a pot filled with bubbling tomato sauce.

"It smells amazing, Papyrus. Need any help?" Papyrus waved his hand dismissively, his smile never faltering. 

"NONSENSE! YOU SHOULD BE RESTING." Rolling your eyes, you stepped towards him, trying to melt his resolve with your best pouting face.

"Paps, I want to help," you insisted, grabbing an apron from a nearby hook and tying it around your waist. In your determination, you failed to notice the light dusting of orange that appeared on his cheekbones as he watched you. "Besides, cooking together sounds like fun." Papyrus paused, his expression softening as he considered your words. Finally, he nodded, his grin widening

"VERY WELL! YOU MAY ASSIST ME IN PREPARING THE GARLIC BREAD. BUT BE WARNED, I HAVE HIGH STANDARDS!" With a laugh, you set to work, grabbing the loaf of bread sitting on the counter. With that, you both started cooking. Papyrus mostly focused on the noodles, sometimes leaning over to give you some help. 

"YOU KNOW," Papyrus' voice broke through your thoughts, his tone cheeky. "YOU CALLED ME PAPS." Blinking, you turned to face him, your mind racing as you tried to remember.

"I did?" you asked, opening your mouth to object when you realized that you did, in fact, call him 'Paps.' Cheeks warming, you awkwardly chuckled, scratching the back of your neck. "Oh yeah... I guess I did." You coughed, suddenly finding it difficult to meet his gaze. "Do you want me not to?" you wondered aloud. In less than a second, you were lifted off your feet and twirled in a circle, papyrus' laughter echoing around the kitchen. 

"OF COURSE NOT! I CAN'T BELIEVE MY FRIEND HAS FINALLY CALLED ME BY A NICKNAME! I'M SO HAPPY!" He exclaimed, stopping to pull you into a tight hug. You stiffened at first, eyes wide as you fought the instinct to push him away. But slowly, you allowed yourself to relax, slumping in his arms. 

"OH, I SHOULD MAKE ONE UP FOR YOU NOW!" Papyrus said, placing you on the ground but still keeping his hands on your shoulders. Stumbling a bit, you try and process what he said, blinking up at him in surprise. 

"Uh, sure, if you want," You murmur bashfully. Papyrus beamed at you, releasing his hold and tapping his chin thoughtfully. He seemed deep in thought, his eyelights shifting to the boiling pot of pasta bubbling away on the stove. As he watched the pasta swirl in the water, an idea seemed to strike him. He straightened up suddenly, snapping his fingers.

"HOW ABOUT PASTA PAL!" he exclaimed. The suggestion caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but laugh, a full-on, belly-rumbling laugh that echoed through the kitchen. It was such a simple and endearing nickname that it struck you as incredibly funny. You laughed so hard you had to clutch your stomach, your breaths coming out in wheezy gasps as you tried to regain control.

For a moment, as your laughter subsided, you worried you might have offended him. You slowed your laughter, glancing up at him with a bit of trepidation. But to your relief, Papyrus didn't look upset in the slightest. In fact, he looked more amused than anything else. His grin had widened, and his eyes sparkled with delight at your reaction. Quickly, you realized he was teasing you. He leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eye sockets, making you snort as you playfully pushed his arm.

"You're hilarious," you replied sarcastically, still trying to catch your breath from laughing so hard.

"YOU REALLY LIKE IT, HUH?" he said, his voice tinged with amusement as he leaned even closer, his face inches from yours.

"Yeah, Paps, 'Pasta Pal' is perfect," you replied sarcastically, turning to focus on the cooking once more, though a small smile played on your lips. Papyrus chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

"DON'T WORRY, FRIEND; SOON ENOUGH, I WILL FIND THE PERFECT NAME FOR YOU. AFTER ALL, I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM A MASTER OF NAMING THINGS!" You smiled, shaking your head slightly. 

"I can't wait."

Papyrus puffed out his chest proudly. "YOU SHOULD BE EXCITED! NAMES FROM ME ARE TRULY SPECIAL." You both laughed at that, a tiny Nyeh heh heh, escaping him as you resumed your work side by side with Papyrus. The garlic butter was mixed to perfection, and you began spreading it generously over the sliced bread.

Papyrus was right there with you, offering tips and encouragement with every step. As you worked, the two of you chatted about various things. Papyrus told you tales of his latest training regimen with Undyne or stories from before you had landed in the Underground. It was easy and comfortable, and the more you talked, the more you felt at home.

"YOU KNOW," Papyrus said suddenly as he washed off the sauce from his gloves, his tone more serious now. "I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A COOKING PARTNER." You looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice.

"Really?"

He nodded. "YES. IT'S MUCH MORE FUN TO COOK WITH SOMEONE. AND YOU, MY DEAR FRIEND, HAVE PROVEN TO BE A MOST EXCELLENT PARTNER." Touched by his words, you smiled warmly.

"Thanks, Papyrus. It's been nice to cook with you, too. Makes me feel more... normal." You didn't elaborate, and he didn't dig deeper into your statement. Instead, he grinned, patting you on the shoulder.

"YOU KNOW," Papyrus continued," I THINK WE MAKE A GREAT TEAM! [NAME], AND THE GREAT PAPYRUS, CULINARY MASTERS!" You laughed, your eyes softening as you looked at Papyrus.

"Yeah, we do make a pretty good team, don't we?" The idea of being part of a team again rattled you to the core, stirring memories of past experiences that were both bitter and sweet. But, as you stared at Papyrus as he smiled at you, your fears were quickly washed away. By the time the bread was ready to come out of the oven, it had turned a perfect golden brown, crispy on the edges, with the garlic butter seeping deliciously into every crevice. You pulled the tray out carefully, the heat warming your hands even through the oven mitts.

"This is going to be amazing," you said, placing the tray down and wiping your hands on your apron,

"INDEED! WITH OUR COMBINED EFFORTS, THIS MEAL WILL BE LEGENDARY!" Papyrus declared, his words filled with such conviction that you couldn't help but believe him.

You turned to Papyrus, your heart full. "Thanks for letting me help, Paps. This really is fun." Papyrus' expression softened, and he placed a hand on your shoulder.

"ANYTIME, PASTA PAL. ANYTIME." His sincerity touched you deeply, and you realized how much you had come to value his friendship in such a short time. Rolling your eyes with a smile, you playfully bumped your hips against his as you both moved toward the dining table. 

"Just when I thought we were having a heartfelt moment," you teased, a playful smile tugging at your lips. Papyrus chuckled, his sockets twinkling with amusement. 

"WITH THE GREAT PAPYRUS, EVERY MOMENT IS HEARTFELT AND FULL OF JOY!" As you set the table, you called out to Sans and Frisk, watching as the kid tiredly shuffled around the corner, their eyes still heavy with sleep.

"Seems I've woken you up, kiddo," you said with a chuckle as Frisk made their way over, their small frame wrapped in a cozy, oversized sweater. You reached out to ruffle their hair playfully as they passed by, earning a gentle smack to your hand followed by a playful glare.

        *yeah, yeah.

As everyone took their seats, their eyes lit up at the sight of the meal. The spaghetti and garlic bread was on top of the table, the scent causing your stomach to grumble once more. Sans grinned, casually slumping into one of the chairs.

"wow, you two really outdid yourselves. this smells pasta-tively amazing." Papyrus groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically as he threw his hands theatrically in the air.

"SANS, CAN YOU GO ONE MEAL WITHOUT A PUN?" Sans shrugged, a smug smirk playing on the corners of his smile.

"not if I can help it, bro," he replied nonchalantly. He then took a bite of the spaghetti, his mouth opening to reveal four sharp little canines. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he chewed thoughtfully, humming slightly. 

"This spaghetti is spaghettin' to my heart. You two really noodle how to cook." Papyrus threw his hands up once more, his face a comical look of despair that barely concealed the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"SANS!" he warned, his voice stern but lacking true anger. Sans seemed completely unfazed by his brother's outburst. He simply smirked wider and slurped another mouthful of noodles from his fork, clearly enjoying messing with him. Frisk burst into a fit of giggles, nearly snorting into their plate.

        *Sans, that was cheesy.  Sans turned and leaned over to the small child with an exaggerated wink.

"Just like the parmesan on top, kiddo," he replied, his voice low and teasing. You couldn't help but chuckle as you finally took your seat across from Sans. Eagerly, you grabbed your fork, wasting no time as you twirled some noodles around it and took a bite. The flavors exploded in your mouth, and you had to resist the urge to groan in satisfaction.

This is delicious., you thought, savoring each bite. As you ate, you were oblivious to Papyrus's stare, his grin gentle and his eyelights shimmering with warmth. As you twisted your fork to grab some more noodles, you couldn't resist asking,

"How do you manage to come up with all these puns?" Sans shrugged again, leaning forward with a sly smile.

"what can I say? it's in my bones." Papyrus groaned, rubbing his gloved hand over his face. Though you had a feeling he did that less out of annoyance and more to hide the smile on his face.

"I AGREE WITH [NAME], WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN TURN EVERYTHING INTO A PUN." he declared. With a shared look of amused exasperation between you and Frisk, the rest of the meal went smoothly, Papyrus occasionally scolding Sans for his admittedly impressive puns.

As the evening drew to a close, you began to gather the plates and utensils. "I'll take care of the dishes," you offered, starting to stack the various plates and cups. As expected, Papyrus attempted to stop you, snatching a dish you were about to grab at the last second. You stare up at him with a raised brow, not even attempting to leap for it. 

"[NAME]! YOU ARE A GUEST. I CAN'T ALLOW YOU TO DO THAT." You smiled, shaking your head as you carried the first load to the sink.

"I insist, Papyrus. You've already done so much by preparing this amazing meal. Let me help out a little." Plugging the sink, you turned on the faucet, running your fingers beneath it as you waited for the water to warm. "Besides. I can't be a guest forever, and I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon." He sighed, seeming to contemplate what you said before he relented, and gently placed the dish he was keeping captive in the sink.

"VERY WELL. I GUESS YOU ARE RIGHT," Papyrus murmured with a sad sigh, his voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. Smirking, you flicked your fingers, manipulating a few drops of water to splash onto him. He jumped, his sockets widening in surprise.

"Don't sound too disappointed," you teased, a playful glint in your eye.

Papyrus huffed, wiping the water off his face with the back of his hand. "I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED! I AM MERELY... SURPRISED BY YOUR WATER ATTACK." His said indignantly. You laughed, shaking your head as you continued washing the dishes.

"Just a reminder to let people help you every once in a while. I mean didn't you enjoy my help in the kitchen? "Papyrus watched you for a moment, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I SUPPOSE I CAN LEARN TO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP," he admitted, his tone lightening. "BUT DO NOT THINK THIS MEANS YOU HAVE BESTED ME IN THE KITCHEN!"

"I wouldn't dream of it," you replied, handing him a clean plate to dry. The playful banter between you felt natural, comforting. Just as Papyrus took the plate from you, a series of loud pounds echoed through the house, startling everyone. Papyrus stood alert, his expression shifting from playful to serious in an instant. 

"WHAT WAS THAT?" he asked. You exchanged a worried glance with him, the unexpected interruption leaving you both on edge.

"I'm not sure," you replied, drying your hands quickly on a towel.

"PAPYRUS! SANS! YOU BETTER OPEN THIS DOOR!" A familiar voice boomed from the other side of the door. You froze, smile fading completely as you and Papyrus made eye contact. The once-light air in the room vanished in an instant, replaced by overwhelming dread. Papyrus's eyelights widened, shooting a quick glance at you and Frisk. 

"JUST A MOMENT, UNDYNE!" he called out, trying to keep his voice steady, but you could hear the tremor of anxiety beneath his words. He hastily put away the plate, his usually confident movements now hurried and clumsy. Frisk moved to your side, their hands gripping yours. Your magic flared as you pushed them slightly behind you, your eyes not leaving the doorway for even one second. Even Sans had straightened, his eyelights shrinking into pinpricks. 

Papyrus opened the door just a crack, stepping into the doorway in an attempt to block Undyne's view. "UNDYNE, WHAT BRINGS YOU HERE SO LATE?" he asked, attempting and failing to sound normal. With a scoff, Undyne pushed past him, not even caring as Papyrus stumbled, grabbing onto the wall to catch himself. Undyne's yellow eye scanned the room until her eyes met yours and her pupils narrowed at the sight of you, her scowl becoming deeper. 

"HA! I knew they'd be here!" The fish monster growled. She spun to point accusingly at Papyrus, who now looked completely deflated, his cheerfulness from earlier completely gone. Your heart ached as he played with his gloved fingers, seeming to shrink under her stare.  

"UNDYNE-" Papyrus began, but she cut him off with a snarl.

"I knew you weren't ready to be a part of the royal guard Papyrus! This ENTIRE time, you've had the souls we needed to get to the surface. Because of your weakness, you've prevented all of Monsterkind from getting the freedom we deserve!" She poked at his chest, and he flinched, his eyelights falling to the side.

You felt a surge of anger and stepped forward, but Frisk's small hand on your arm stopped you. Slowly, they shook their head, their face irritatingly neutral. Still, you didn't move, instead opting to send the fish monster a glare. Papyrus's orange eyelights met yours, and whether it was the anger on your face or how Frisk gripped onto your side, his eyelights widened, and his mouth set into a tight line. His hands tightened into fists, and he stood straighter, squaring his shoulders.

"THEY ARE MY FRIENDS," he declared, his voice filled with a rare firmness. Undyne took a step backward, pure confusion and anger flashing across her face. Her expression twisted into one of disdain as she hissed out,

"You're pathetic."

"Undyne," Sans snapped, his voice not unlike the first time he threatened you. His sockets turned black, his mouth twitching into a frown. "Back  off." The monster stiffened, her eye narrowing in disgust.

"I thought out of everyone you'd know better than to trust humans, Sans. Let alone a mage." The word mage sounded like a cuss word from her mouth, and despite yourself, you flinched.

I'm not even a mage. Sans didn't say anything, his white eyelights returning, but the intensity in his gaze didn't waver. The room felt charged, the air thick with magic, causing your own to pound against your chest as if begging to be used. Undyne must've noticed as her attention fell on you once more, her expression hardening. 

"You. I demand a rematch! I refuse to lose to a mere human!" she declared, taking a few steps toward you. You stood your ground, refusing to be intimidated as you coolly met her gaze. She seemed even more infuriated by your lack of fear as a small growl rippled through her throat. 

 "If it's a fight you want, Undyne, then I accept," you said firmly, eyes flashing blue. Sans stepped closer, his gaze never leaving you both.

"hey, no need to fight," he said lowly. "let's keep this civil." Frisk moved to stand beside you, their small hand gripping yours tightly for support. Papyrus, though clearly nervous, squared his shoulders and stood next to his brother, ready to back you up. Your eyes widened the tiniest fraction, surprised at how protective they seemed. 

"Guys, it's okay. I figured something like this was going to happen," you assured your friends, turning back to Undyne. When you turned, your brows furrowed slightly. Undyne's expression was softer, confusion glistening in her eye as her posture slacked. However, when she noticed your stare, she straightened, her intensity still suffocating but her aggression cooling.

"Alright, human," she said, her voice still strong but less harsh. "We'll do this properly. Outside. Now." You nodded, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on you as you moved towards the door. Stepping outside, the cool wintery breeze rushed past your cheeks, sending a chill down your spine. Undyne followed closely, her armor clanking with each step, and took her position opposite you. Snowflakes danced between you both, the wind gently fluttering your hair. You barely noticed the others standing on the edge of the porch, the worry practically radiating off them. 

"When I win. I am taking your soul and bringing it to the king." Undyne's voice cut through the silence like a knife. You met her gaze steadily, unflinching as you smiled. 

"And if I win, Undyne, you have to do whatever I want," you say back, your breath coming out in a puff. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by a smirk.

"Deal. Not that it matters because you're going down, human." Nodding, your chest contracted. Your palm glowed as a familiar weight appeared in your hand, your eyes glowing a soft blue. 

Undyne charged at you with remarkable speed, her blue spear appearing out of thin air. You barely dodged her initial thrust, feeling the rush of wind as the spear sliced past your side. The ground beneath you seemed to tremble with her power, and you knew you couldn't afford any mistakes. You retaliated by swinging your sword in a wide arc, the blade gleaming with magic. Undyne parried the strike effortlessly with her spear, grinning fiercely. 

"You're gonna have to do better than that!" she taunted, her eye blazing with determination. You ducked and rolled to the side as she swung her spear again, the weapon slamming into the ground where you had just stood, sending snow and dirt flying. You used the momentary distraction to launch a counterattack, delivering a swift slash across her armored shoulder. Sparks flew, and Undyne hissed in pain, but her grip on her spear remained firm.

"Not bad," she growled, "but not good enough!" She lashed out with a powerful backhand, her gauntlet catching you across the face and sending you sprawling. Pain flared through your cheek, but you forced yourself to focus, scrambling to your feet. 

Undyne's relentless assault continued, each strike of her spear coming closer and closer. You parried and dodged as best as you could, but her strength was overwhelming. A sudden jab caught you off guard, grazing your arm and drawing blood. You hissed in pain, but the sight of your own blood only made you move faster. 

"You fight well," Undyne admitted, her chest heaving. "but this is where it ends!"  She lunged, her spear aimed straight at your heart. In a split second, you sidestepped, grabbing the shaft of the spear and pulling her off balance. Using her momentum against her, you swung around and delivered a swift kick to her back, sending her stumbling forward.

Breathing heavily, you faced each other again. Undyne's yellow eye narrowed, something akin to respect dancing in her iris. "You're tougher than you look," 

"And you're as strong as they say," you replied honestly, swiftly wiping sweat and blood from your brow. With a roar, Undyne summoned a flurry of spears, sending them hurtling towards you. You dodged and deflected as many as you could with your sword, feeling the strain in your muscles with each movement. One spear grazed your leg, another nicked your shoulder, but you pushed through the pain with a grunt, leaping for her once more. 

As the fight wore on, both of you started to slow. Undyne's armor was dented, her breathing heavy, while you sported cuts and bruises, your movements growing more sluggish with each passing moment. Yet neither of you showed any sign of backing down. Snowflakes fell gently around you, the cold air biting at your exposed skin. Each breath came out as a puff of steam, mingling with the snow around you.

You could hear the anxious shuffling of your friends watching nearby, but you couldn't afford to be distracted. For a moment, you debated using your element, but you thought better of it. If you were going to win, you wanted to win properly. In a final, desperate clash, you and Undyne charged at each other.

You ducked beneath her swing, driving your sword into her unprotected side with all your remaining strength. The flat of the blade connected, and she staggered backward. Without wasting another second, you followed up with a sweep of your leg, knocking her off her feet. Undyne hit the ground hard, her spear clattering away. You stood over her, panting and exhausted as you put your blade against her throat, your laugh brief and breathy as you shook your head.

"We gotta stop meeting like this," you joked. Undyne froze, obviously shocked, as she glared at you. Then, slowly, a small smile spread across her face.

"I... I can't believe it," she murmured. You weren't sure what she was thinking as you stood over her, her face flashing with something akin to disbelief and respect. "You actually beat me." Watching for a moment, you noticed she wasn't as tense as before, the slit of her pupil expanding as she watched you. Letting out a breath, your blade disappeared, the magic in your soul retreating as you stepped back. Silently, you offered her a hand. For a minute, she stared at you, her gaze shifting from your hand to your face. You stiffened with each passing moment, your gut twisting.

Is she going to attack me again? A hand wrapping around your own snapped you out of your thoughts. Undyne wasn't looking at you; she was almost bashfully looking at the snow below her. With an inaudible snort, you helped her to her feet, taking a step back as she regained her balance.

"A deal's a deal, Undyne." She looked confused for a moment, and you raised an eyebrow. "You have to do whatever I want." You reminded her. She sighed, a small growl escaping her mouth. For a moment, you thought she'd tell you off. But surprisingly, she nodded, wiping the blood from her lip.

"Fine. No one can say I don't stick to my word. What do you want, human?" She grumbled, crossing her arms in front of her chest. You pretended to think, tapping your chin with your finger. Your attention fell to Frisk, and as if they knew what you were thinking, they gave you a small nod. Visibly annoyed, Undyne's foot tapped against the snow, and you finally decided to end her suffering and answer.

"I want you to recognize that we're not enemies," you said, your voice firm but gentle. "No more attacking me or Frisk. And maybe, just maybe, we can be friends." Undyne stared at you for a long moment, her expression shifting from disbelief to a mix of contemplation and frustration. You could see the inner conflict in her eye as she wrestled with her pride, and once again, you tensed. Finally, her shoulders relaxed, and the tension around her dissipated. She let out a sigh, the condensation mingling with the falling snow.

"You've got guts," she admitted, her voice grudgingly respectful. Then, unexpectedly, she burst into a genuine, hearty laugh, slapping a hand on your shoulder. You jumped, much to her amusement, as her toothy smile widened. "Alright, I agree, human. We are no longer enemies."

"You also have to apologize to Papyrus," you added. She grimaced at that, cringing at the thought. With a groan, she nodded, though she didn't seem happy about it.

"Fine," she muttered under her breath. She stomped toward the porch, where Papyrus, Sans, and Frisk stood watching. Sans's expression was one of wary caution, his sockets narrowing slightly as he watched the exchange between you and Undyne. The usual slouch in his posture was gone, his skeletal form tense and alert, ready to react if things took a turn for the worse.

Papyrus, on the other hand, stood tall and rigid, his eyelights wide and bright as they flicked between you and Undyne. His mouth, usually set in a confident and boisterous smile, was a tight line of concern, clenching his hands in front of him. As Undyne approached, you could see the flicker of hesitation in her step, the slight furrowing of her brow, and the way her single eye darted to the ground before locking onto Papyrus. Her jaw was set, her lips a tight line as she fought to maintain her usual bravado.

 "Papyrus," she began, her voice gruff. "I, uh... I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have barged in like that and caused all this trouble." Papyrus's sockets widened in surprise as he looked at you, then back at Undyne.

"UNDYNE, YOU... YOU'RE APOLOGIZING?" His tight grip on his hands loosened, and a tentative smile began to form on his lips. The creases in his brow smoothed out, and he took a small step forward. She nodded stiffly.

"Yeah. I am. You deserve better than that." She crossed her arms and shifted uncomfortably. "And... I'm sorry." Papyrus's face broke into a wide smile, and he threw his arms around Undyne in a hug.

"UNDYNE, I ACCEPT YOUR APOLOGY!" Sans, still watching closely, allowed his rigid posture to relax just a fraction. The wary caution in his eyes softened as his grin returned, his mask of nonchalance snapping back into place. Undyne stiffened at the embrace, awkwardly patting Papyrus on the back.

"Yeah, yeah, don't get all mushy on me." When the taller brother finally released her, Undyne turned back to you. "Alright, human. You won fair and square. But don't think this means I'm going easy on you in the future. We're still gonna have to see who's the best, you know." Crossing your arms, you laughed.

"Look forward to it." She nodded, stealing one more glance at the group before turning to leave and striding back into the snow-covered forest from which she came. Steps rushed up to you as Papyrus threw you into a hug. "THAT WAS INCREDIBLE, [NAME]! YOU REALLY SHOWED UNDYNE! I ALWAYS KNEW YOU HAD IT IN YOU!" You couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through you despite the cold.

"Thanks, Papyrus." As he placed you down, you shuffled on your feet, suddenly remembering what you were doing before Undyne had barged in. "I really need to go finish those dishes," you said absentmindedly, more to yourself than anyone else. Papyrus shook his head, his hand gently catching your arm.

"NO WAY. YOU'VE DONE MORE THAN ENOUGH TONIGHT. YOU'RE NOT DOING THE DISHES." He turned to Frisk, who gave a quick nod, their eyes sparkling with determination.

"Come on, Frisk," Papyrus declared, leading the way back into the house. "LET'S SHOW [NAME] HOW IT'S DONE!" Frisk smiled at you before following Papyrus inside. You watched them go, your protests dying on your lips as you realized how much they wanted to help. You sighed, a contented smile playing on your lips.

"looks like you're off dish duty tonight," Sans quipped, strolling up beside you. His grin was back to its usual lazy charm, but there was a softness in his gaze that you hadn't seen before. He placed a hand on your shoulder, his skeletal fingers surprisingly gentle. "thanks." You blinked in confusion.

"For what?" Sans's grin widened slightly, but his eyelights held an emotion you couldn't quite recognize. 

"for keepin' things together. for gettin' undyne to see reason. and for takin' care of papyrus and frisk." He shrugged, the movement casual but the sincerity unmistakable. "you have a good soul, y'know?" Before you could respond, he gave your shoulder a light squeeze and stepped back, his form starting to blur around the edges.

"take it easy, okay?" And with that, he disappeared, leaving you standing alone in the snow. You didn't know when Sans started looking at you differently or when he finally decided to trust you. The change had been so subtle, creeping up on you like the gradual shift of seasons.

The first time you met Sans, his lazy grin and nonchalant demeanor were a careful mask he had created for himself. He had always been an enigma, a skeleton full of jokes and riddles, never letting anyone see who he truly was. At first, you weren’t sure what to make of him. He seemed so aloof, almost indifferent to everything around him. But over time, you began to notice the little things. Like the way his gaze would linger on his brother Papyrus with a mix of pride and protectiveness or the rare moments when his jokes carried a hint of genuine warmth instead of a way to deflect. 

Tonight, you realized, Sans looked at you the same way he looked at Papyrus. When did it start? When did I become someone he could trust? You shook your head, letting out a breath. You didn’t need to know the exact moment he started looking at you differently. What mattered was that he did. You took a deep breath, the crisp air filling your lungs as you stared up at the glittering gems above you. 

A soft shuffle of snow interrupted your thoughts, pulling you back to the present. You turned, a visible annoyance creasing your brow as you saw Flowey pop up from beneath the snow, his yellow petals shaking off the flakes. You groaned, already dreading the conversation. 

"What do you want?" you snapped, your voice sharp and icy as the air around you. Flowey's expression was one of mocking amusement, his beady eyes glinting as he stared into you.

"Well, well, look who finally became friends with Undyne," Flowey sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. You frowned, crossing your arms defensively, your glare hardening as you felt the familiar irritation bubbling up.

"Finally? I didn't know you had that much faith in me, Flowey," you said sarcastically, trying to mask your growing suspicion. He shrugged in the only way a flower could, his leaves swaying slightly in the cold breeze.

"I've seen Undyne become friends with the kid many times before. This time, though, everything is happening differently. It's entertaining, to say the least." His words were laced with a challenge, baiting you. The way his tone carried that twisted amusement as if he was dangling some forbidden knowledge just out of reach made your curiosity overshadow your better judgment.

A shiver ran down your spine, partly from the cold but mostly from the unease his words stirred within you. Flowey's grin widened as he noticed your hesitation, knowing he had your attention. The snow around you seemed to grow quieter, the world narrowing down to just you and the unsettling flower before you.

"What do you mean, you've seen it many times before?" you asked, trying to keep your voice steady. Instead of answering immediately, Flowey's smirk deepened, and he tilted his head to the side, his petals rustling softly in the breeze. His beady eyes seemed to bore into yours, stripping away the layers of your resolve and exposing the raw, vulnerable curiosity beneath.

"Earlier today. How did you know the brat was in danger?" he asked. Your mouth opened, but no words came out. Your brow furrowed as you tried to think, the memory of that moment slipping through your thoughts like grains of sand. You had just felt it, an instinct that had driven you.

"I... I don't know," you stammered, your voice barely above a whisper, a knot of confusion tightening in your chest. The words felt hollow, even to yourself, and you fought to keep your composure. Flowey's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as his petals bristled and his smile widened. "I think you do know," he insisted, leaning closer, his gaze unrelenting.

"How did it feel to watch Frisk die? To watch them get impaled?" His voice took on a cruel edge, each word sharp and cold. You blinked, a dry chuckle escaping your lips despite the growing unease.

"What are you on about? Frisk is alive," you retorted, trying to hide the tremor of doubt that had begun to creep in. Flowey's smile twisted into something demented as if he knew something you didn't, and he was savoring every second of it.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. You're not as oblivious as the other fools in the Underground," he purred. You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you turned away from him, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling creeping up your spine.

"Goodbye, Flowey. I'm not in the mood to play your dumb games," you snapped, your voice ringing with false confidence. You took a couple of steps away from him, but his maniacal laughter echoed behind you, sending a chill down your spine. You paused, glancing back at him. He was practically doubled over, and when his laughter finally subsided, he straightened up, his grin more menacing than ever.

"Didn't you feel an overwhelming sense of déjà vu as you stood with Papyrus this morning? Like if you didn't go into those woods, something bad was going to happen?" Your eyes narrowed as you glared at him, the icy wind biting at your exposed skin. 

"You've been watching me," you said, your voice barely more than a whisper. The realization dawned on you. His smug smile only confirmed what you already knew, and you scoffed. 

"I know you want to remember. Don't you?" he asked, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. Before you could say no, flashes of memories bombarded your mind, quick, fragmented images that left you dizzy. You saw Frisk, a look of terror on their face, the pure anguish you had felt, and then darkness. The disjointed fragments made your head spin, and you clutched your temples, trying to steady yourself.

"You're remembering, aren't you?" Flowey's voice cut through your thoughts, his tone taunting. Your breath quickened as your eyes darted around, trying to piece together the shattered memories.

"What... what happened?" you demanded, your voice trembling, the edges of your vision blurring with the intensity of your confusion. He didn't answer you, his grin turning manic as he giggled, obviously finding pleasure in your distress.

"If you want answers, you'll have to talk to the oldest brother." He paused his tone light and mocking. "Though, I highly doubt he'll tell you." With that, he disappeared back under the snow, leaving you standing there alone, the cold seeping into your bones.

You stood there, disbelief and confusion washing over you like falling snow. Fragments of memory lingered, haunting your thoughts, and a feeling of unease gnawed at your mind.  Flowey’s words echoed in your head, casting a shadow over everything you thought you knew. You wanted to hit yourself. 

How could you believe Flowey? Someone who has done nothing but lie and manipulate you since you've come to the Underground. But then again, his words held a ring of truth that you couldn’t ignore, and as little as you knew about the demonic flower, you had a feeling he couldn't manipulate memories.  You knew you needed answers. As much as you didn't want to believe Flowey, of all people, you had a nagging feeling he was right. You groaned, rubbing a hand across your face. 

Would Sans even tell me if I asked? What would I even say? 'By the way, do you know anything about remembering things that never actually happened?' With a deep breath, you turned to face the house, its warm light spilling into the snow-covered yard. Stepping onto the porch you shook off your thoughts, pushing it aside. For now, you needed sleep, answers could come later. 

Chapter Text

Sleep came and went, a small reprieve as your injuries slowly healed and memories plagued your thoughts. Healing, you reminded yourself, was never fun. Not only did the fight with Undyne leave you more than a few cuts and bruises, but it also drained your magic. Your body ached incessantly as your body tried to rapidly replenish the magic in your soul and each time you were pulled from the depths of sleep, you could feel the slow, agonizing process of your injuries knitting back together.

It was a small consolation that, as an elemental, your body healed faster than that of a normal person. Luckily for you, Sans (who also was unsurprisingly unable to sleep) managed to find something called monster candy.

The small candy somehow contained magical properties that significantly boosted your body's regenerative capabilities. At first, when he presented it to you, you were hesitant, but after he teased you for being scared you relented. Albeit skeptically, you put it on your tongue, and as it melted, warmth coursed through your veins, the magic within you seeming less depleted them before. 

This morning, Papyrus generously let you sleep in, choosing instead to go on a solo run. While you felt a rush of disappointment for not being able to join him in your daily training, you knew deep down that, in your condition, you would be little more than a useless sparring partner. Your body needed time, and you had to accept that, no matter how frustrating it was.

You snuggled deeper into the oversized jacket, goosebumps prickling your spine despite the layers. It was late in the day, and you and Frisk were strolling through Snowdin. The sharp chill in the air nipped at any exposed skin, and even though each step caused a small twinge of pain, you couldn't stay trapped in the house any longer.

The buildings were quaint, their roofs adorned with a soft layer of snow, and icicles hung like shimmering daggers from the gutters. You exhaled, watching your breath form a misty cloud, and a smile tugged at your lips as a group of monster kids chased each other, flinging snowballs that exploded into puffs of white.

As you walked, you waved at familiar faces, each greeting you with a smile or a nod. Luckily, the townsfolk's initial surprise and wariness of you had faded, replaced only occasionally by a lingering stare. You understood the curiosity; after all, you were probably the only adult human they'd ever seen.

Anyway, it's not like I don't stare every once in a while. You thought absentmindedly. Frisk tugged sharply at your sleeve, pulling your attention to the side. Following their pointing finger, your grin widened. Nestled under the shade of tall pines, a gentle rabbit monster and their young child were meticulously sculpting a snow creature.

The child’s laughter echoed as their dad dumped snow on their head, their tiny nose crinkling as they attempted to throw snow at the older male. You chuckled, shaking your head in amusement. Lost in the moment, you collided with something soft and fluffy, immediately stepping back, a flurry of apologies spilling from your mouth.

"Oh, I’m sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going!" You looked up, eyes widening in surprise. Two giant dog monsters stood before you, both white with dark brown, curious eyes. The male dog, wearing a collar with a small bell, tilted his head at you, his nose twitching as he leaned in to sniff your hair.

You stiffened, feeling his wet nose tickle your cheek. Unsure you steal a glance at Frisk, deadpanning when you notice they are attempting, and failing, to stifle their laughter. After a long. uncomfortable second, the monster pulled back with a soft bark, a toothy grin spreading across his face.

“Don't worry about it! You must be the bigger human everyone's been talking about!" His deep voice was low but playful. The female beside him wagged her tail and gave a warm, gentle bark, her eyes widening. Her heart-shaped tag on her collar jingled as she leaned forward to sniff you too, though thankfully this time the experience was quicker as she swiftly pulled back. 

"I've been wanting to meet you, dear! Frisk should've introduced you to us sooner." The monster sent a pointed look at Frisk, who seemed unaffected by the scolding, instead turned to you, unenthusiastically pointing at the dog monsters.

        *[Name] This is Dogamy and Dogaressa. They’re part of the Royal Guard. They are also a couple.

Frisk then gestured to you, their voice monotone.

         *Dogamy and Dogaressa this is [Name], my big sis. There now you are introduced. 

You straightened, your eyes widening in surprise as you glanced at the child beside you. The words echoed in your mind, staring at Frisk intently.

Did they just call me big sis?  Frisk's expression flickered in confusion at your stare, their brows furrowing slightly before realization dawned on them. A subtle flush tinted their cheeks, barely noticeable as they shifted uncomfortably. Avoiding your gaze the kid nervously toyed with their fingers, the weight of their slip hanging awkwardly between you. Dogamy's eyes lit up, his posture straightening, seemingly unaware of Frisk's embarrassment.

“I didn't know you had a sibling, pup! It’s not every day we get to meet a new friend, especially a human adult.” His tail wagged slightly, stepping a bit closer as if to get a better look at the two of you. You smirked, shaking off your surprise as you ruffled the kid's hair as they attempted to sink deeper into their sweater.

"Frisk's the closest thing to family I got." You pulled them into a side hug, your eyes softening. "The best little pup I could ever ask for." You teased, Frisk huffed but didn't attempt to push you off, their blush only deepening in color as the corners of their lips lifted. 

Dogaressa brought a paw to her chest at the sight of you both, leaning her head against Dogamy's shoulder.  “Aww, isn't that adorable hun. Makes me want to have little ones of my own." Dogamy seemed surprised, his tail wagging as he stared at his wife in shock. Before he could say anything, however, Dogaressa swiftly changed the subject. "How are you finding our little community? Have you adjusted well?”

You smiled, releasing Frisk from your hold. “Mostly everyone’s been really welcoming. It’s definitely different from what I’m used to but in a good way.” 

Dogamy gave a cheerful bark, his mouth spreading into a wide grin as he seemed to snap out of his stupor. “That’s great to hear! If you ever need help or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to find us.” He said sincerely, his wife eagerly nodding in agreement.

"I'll be sure to take you up on that." You replied, a shiver rushing down your spine. Frisk reached up to pat Dogamy on the head, to which he quickly leaned down, his eyes crinkling with delight.

        *Bye Dogamy! Bye, Dogaressa! 

Frisk called out, their voice echoing with a mixture of affection and cheerfulness. Dogamy wagged his tail happily, leaning down to give Frisk a playful nuzzle. His eyes closed briefly, a look of contentment washing over his face as Frisk scratched behind his ear. You hesitated for a moment, watching the interaction, before slowly reaching out to pet Dogaressa.

A part of you was worried she'd be offended, but her expression softened, her eyes brightening as she leaned down into your hand. Her fur felt like the softest velvet under your hand, and the warmth of it was almost comforting. Dogaressa let out a pleased rumble, her tail wagging even faster, the joy evident in every inch of her being.

“You smell really nice,” she commented, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air around you. The heat rushed to your cheeks, your face turning a deep shade of crimson. 

“Oh, um, thank you,” you stammered, your voice barely above a whisper, utterly flustered. Ever observant, Frisk noticed your blush and smirked, seeming to take great delight in your discomfort as their mischievous grin widened.

        *Karma 

You shot them a playful glare, childishly sticking your tongue out at them. Frisk's laughter was infectious, and you couldn't help but chuckle along, your blush fading. It was then that Frisk pulled back, linking arms with you once more. You followed suit, almost reluctantly placing your hand back down to your side, immediately missing the warmth that Dogaressa's fur had provided.

“Take care, both of you!” Dogaressa called out, waving as she and Dogamy continued on their walk. You returned the sentiment, your hand lifted in a gentle wave, a soft smile playing on your lip as you watched them disappear around the corner,

They were nice. You and Frisk were about to resume your walk when the sound of heavy footsteps reached your ears. With a sigh you turned once more, surprised to find Undyne marching towards you, her movements were precise, almost militaristic, yet there was an unmistakable blush spreading across her cheeks.

She mumbled something under her breath, her words too quiet and hurried to catch, as she strode past you both. It was as if the world around her didn't exist, her eye was fixed straight ahead, not even sparing a glance in your direction. You watched her storm off, a bit puzzled as your eyebrows knitting together in confusion. As Undyne's form grew smaller in the distance, you turned to look down at Frisk. They were watching Undyne too, their curiosity mirroring your own.

Frisk's hand tugged at the hem of your coat, their silent question clear in the way they looked up at you. You sighed softly, rubbing your hands together, as you gently blew into them.

"Well, I guess we should follow her," you suggested, the words cutting through the silence. Frisk nodded eagerly, their expression shifting from curiosity to determination. Together, you hurried to catch up with Undyne, your footsteps crunching in the snow.

Undyne moved quickly, and you and Frisk had to jog to keep up, your healing body aching from the movement. The closer you got, the more you could sense her frustration. Her fists were clenched at her sides, her shoulders rigid, and every so often, she'd mutter something under her breath, her words lost to the wind.

"Hey, Undyne!" you called out, you knew she had to know you were following, the crunch of snow too loud to ignore. However, she seemed to be purposefully avoiding you, her shoulders tensing at the sound of your voice. You huffed, stealing a look at Frisk, who gave you an encouraging nod. With a quick inhale, you rushed forward, skidding in front of Undyne's path. The fish monster growled in annoyance as she slowed, shooting you a glare, though you noticed it was lacking its usual intensity. 

"What do you want, punk?" she grumbled, her cheeks still tinged pink as she crossed her arms in front of her, fingers drumming against her arm. You shrugged, stuffing your hands in your pockets, trying to appear nonchalant. In one quick look, it was obvious Undyne had changed out her armor, this set without the dents and scratches you had caused yesterday. 

"I noticed you replaced your armor," you pointed out. The metal gleamed under the light, looking almost brand new. She scoffed, though the blush returned ten-fold. Her posture stiffened, and her eye flickered away from yours, unable to maintain eye contact. Frisk joined you by your side, a knowing glint in their eye as they stared at the monster.

"What did you expect, that I would wear useless armor? I'm the captain. I have to be prepared at any moment." Her voice had a defensive edge, the fins on the side of her head twitching slightly. 

"Where did you get it fixed?" you asked, trying to sound casual. If it was any other day, perhaps you wouldn't have been so pushy. But admittedly you were bored, and the drug that was curiosity was eating away at you.

Undyne's eye widened slightly, and she looked away seemingly unable to meet your questioning stare. "Alphys fixed it for me," she mumbled, her voice no louder than a whisper. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, her gaze fixed on a distant point on the ground. Your brows furrowed in puzzlement, tilting your head slightly as you wracked your brain trying to recall anyone by that name.

Alphys... Where had you heard that before? Frisk seemed to sense your troubles as they spoke up, bumping up against you to gain your attention. 

         *She is a scientist in the Hotlands. 

You nodded, with a small "Oh," your gaze shifting back to Undyne. The monster seemed to stiffen under your stare, her body growing more rigid by the second as her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides.

She was struggling to maintain her usual composure, her yellow eye darting away from yours as if searching for an escape. The sight of her obvious discomfort, coupled with the way her usual bravado seemed to falter, made something click in your mind. 

"Wait," you started cautiously, unable to resist teasing her a little, "do you have a crush on Alphys?" Undyne's reaction was immediate and telling. Her face turned a brilliant fiery crimson, the blush spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her fins. Her yellow eye widened in shock, and she seemed to almost physically recoil from your words, her fists tightening even more. The sight was almost comical, seeing the fierce, fearless Undyne so flustered.

"That's none of your business!" she snapped, a low growl rumbling from her throat. Without another word, she spun on her heel and began to march away, angrily pushing away any offending shrubbery.  

You and Frisk exchanged a knowing look, both of you smirking as you continued to follow her. "That's a yes." You said, and you were sure the captain could easily hear you as her fin twitched. Frisk giggled, the sound light and teasing, and you saw Undyne's shoulders tense even more at the sound. Her pace quickened, but it was clear that she couldn't shake off her embarrassment or your persistence.

"Undyne, wait up!" you called out, jogging a few steps to catch up with her. Her movements were stiff, her gaze fixed straight ahead, but the blush on her face betrayed her feelings. You could see the internal struggle written all over her, the way she bit her lip, and the slight quiver in her fins.

Your smirk faded, your chest tightening. "Undyne." Perhaps, she could hear the regret and worry in your voice as she slowed, coming to a reluctant stop. She didn't turn to face you, but her head turned slightly, telling you she was listening.

"Did something happen?" you gently asked, your voice softening. Undyne's shoulders slumped slightly, and she let out a heavy sigh.

"I made a fool of myself," she muttered, her voice barely audible, tinged with shame. She didn't elaborate, and you knew better than to press, allowing the monster a moment to compose herself. "I don't know how Alphys feels, and I just... I wish I did." she admitted.

"Undyne, you're one of the bravest people I know," you said softly, your voice steady and reassuring. "Talking to Alphys about how you feel is scary, sure, but I'm sure you've faced scarier things." You offered her a gentle smile, hoping to convey some of the confidence you felt in her abilities.

Undyne's fierce gaze softened, her tough exterior momentarily crumbling as she absorbed your words. She seemed to draw a bit of strength from them, straightening slightly. "But what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, each word laced with a raw, unguarded honesty that pierced your heart.

You paused, searching for the right words to offer comfort. You hadn’t met Alphys yet, and you didn’t want to give Undyne false hope. You felt a pang of helplessness, wishing you could assure her that everything would be alright, that Alphys's feelings mirrored her own. But before you could find the words, Frisk stepped forward, moving in front of Undyne.

        *You know. Every time I see Alphys she always tells me how cool and strong you are. She definitely likes you back. 

Undyne tensed at that, her single eye widening as she stared at the kid, disbelief and suspicion flashing across her face. Her gaze was intense as if was trying to see through any lies with sheer willpower alone. She studied the kid's face, searching, every flicker of emotion, for any hint of a lie. Gradually, the skepticism in her gaze faded, replaced by a reluctant acceptance. She found no deceit, no hint of betrayal in Frisk's eyes. Slowly, her rigid posture softened, her shoulders slowly dropping.

"You really think so?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, her defenses lowering just a bit more. Frisk nodded, their smile unwavering.

        *I know so. Just talk to her. She’ll understand.

You watched as Undyne took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort to steady herself. She nodded slowly, a small but genuine smile forming on her lips. "Thanks, both of you," she said, her voice gaining strength. "I guess... I guess I needed to hear that."

Your hand still rested on her shoulder, and you gave it a gentle squeeze. "Anytime, Undyne. We're here for you. That's what friends are for. Silence settled over you, thick and contemplative, as Undyne seemed to drift into her thoughts. 

Frowning, you took a step back, your brow furrowing in contemplation. Even though you hadn't known Undyne for long, a knot tightened in your gut as you watched her. Her usual confidence seemed shaken, an emotion you couldn't quite place practically emitting from her.  You paused, uncertain whether to speak or give her space. Gaze drifting to the snow below you, your eyes widened, lips lifting as an idea struck you. 

Maybe I don't have to do either. You thought, a playful glint flashing across your face as you bent down to scoop up some snow, quickly forming it into a compact snowball. Glancing over at Frisk, you caught their eye, and they immediately mirrored your grin, understanding your plan without a word.

 "Hey, Undyne," you called out nonchalantly. She turned her head, curiosity flickering in her gaze, her guard momentarily lowered.  "Catch!" you said, launching the snowball with a swift, practiced motion. It sailed through the air, colliding with Undyne's shoulder in a burst of white powder. The world seemed to hold its breath. Undyne blinked, slowly looking down at her snow-covered armor. 

Her eye narrowed, her lips curving into a wicked grin "Oh, you are so going to regret that!" she declared, the fierce determination returning to her face. Laughter erupted from deep within you, an uncontrollable, joyous sound. Grabbing Frisk's hand, you bolted, your feet slipping on the snow as you tried to stay ahead of Undyne. Her footsteps pounded the ground behind you, each step filled with the promise of retribution.

"YOU CAN'T RUN FOREVER, PUNKS!" she bellowed. The chase led you through the snow-covered landscape, your hearts seeming to pound in unison. You zigzagged and dodged, avoiding her snowball projectiles, each near miss adding to your laughter. 

As you skidded around a corner, the sight of Sans and Papyrus's house greeted you. The brothers were outside, completely oblivious to the snowball skirmish unfolding nearby. Sans lounged against a tree, his eyes half-closed in lazy contentment, while Papyrus was engrossed in constructing a snow sculpture, gently patting more snow on his disfigured head. 

"Incoming!" you shouted, barely dodging another well-aimed snowball from behind. Papyrus's head snapped up, his eyelights widening in surprise. Diving behind a rock, you quickly formed more snowballs with a flick of your wrist, your hands moving with practiced efficiency with some help of your magic. You peeked over the top of the stone, chucking your newly made projectiles. Undyne, seeing the snowballs coming, smoothly took cover behind a tree, barely dodging your attacks as she returned fire.

"WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Papyrus exclaimed, his tall form ducking behind his partially built snow sculpture for protection.

        *We're having a snowball fight

Frisk explained, breathlessly grinning from ear to ear. They scooped up more snow, their small hands working quickly to form another snowball. Sans chuckled, his grin widening as he casually leaned to the side, avoiding a stray snowball with effortless ease.

"sounds like fun," he drawled. Just as you were about to lob another snowball, a light thud hit your back. You whirled around, eyes wide in mock betrayal, only to find Papyrus standing there, a smirk on his face as he readied another throw.

"Traitor!" you cried out, feigning outrage. Papyrus's laughter rang out, his grin widening.

"SORRY, FRIEND, BUT I WILL SHOW YOU NO MERCY!" he declared, stretching his arm back. You rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding his next throw, and launched your own snowballs in rapid succession. Undyne was already rolling another snowball in her hands, her yellow eye gleaming. 

"More targets? Bring it on!" she growled, hitting Papyrus straight in the chest. The battle quickly escalated, snowballs flying in every direction. Papyrus's shouts of "NYEH HEH HEH!" echoed through the air as he lobbed snowballs with all his might, his enthusiasm making up for his lack of accuracy.

You took a deep breath, the chilly winter air filling your lungs as you crouched low behind a snowbank, the frosty ground beneath you numbing your knees. Your eyes narrowed as you stared at Sans, who lounged casually against a tree, his laziness taunting you. Each movement felt so slow as you packed another snowball tightly in your exposed hands, the icy cold biting into your fingers.

Slowly rising to your feet, you maintained your aim, careful not to give away your position to the target. With a flick of your wrist, you launched the snowball toward Sans.. It sailed through the crisp air perfectly, the snowball on a direct path toward him. But just as it was about to hit its mark, Sans effortlessly vanished, reappearing a few feet to the left, his grin widening in amusement.

"nice try," he called out in his laid-back drawl. You huffed in frustration and without missing a beat, you quickly formed another snowball in your hands.

"Stop teleporting, you cheater!" you shouted, flinging the snowball with renewed determination. Again, Sans effortlessly dodged, his teleportation skills making it seem like child's play as the snowball harmlessly landed where he had just been.

Sans chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his throat as he lazily leaned over to gather more snow. "you'll have to do better than that," he taunted, shaping a ball of his own.

Gritting your teeth, refusing to give up, you scanned the snowy landscape, trying to anticipate Sans' next move. Deciding to change tactics, you grabbed two snowballs, one in each hand. With a grin you threw the first one slightly off-target to the right, hoping to lure Sans into a false sense of security for your next move.

As predicted, Sans teleported to the left, directly into the trajectory of your second snowball. For an exhilarating moment, you thought you had him cornered. But just before impact, he vanished again, this time reappearing right behind you.

"close, but snow dice." he joked, his breath tickling the shell of your ear. You spun around just in time to see a snowball flying towards you. It hit you square in the shoulder, exploding into a burst of cold powder. You gasped, the shock of the cold snow making you shiver. "gotcha," Sans said, his grin never faltering.

Wiping the snow from your chest, you sent him a playful glare. "You're infuriating, you know that?" 

Sans shrugged, forming another snowball with an almost casual grace. "just part of my charm," he replied, tossing the snowball lightly in his hand. Wanting to outsmart him, you formed another snowball and took a deep breath. You threw the snowball low, hoping he would teleport upwards, then quickly launched another one high, aiming for his knees. Sans teleported as you predicted, but not upwards, he reappeared right beside you, his nose ridge inches from your face.

"nice strategy," he chuckled, flicking a snowball lightly at your chest. It hit with a soft thud, the cold seeping through your clothes. You yelped, more out of surprise than pain, and stumbled back, your cheeks burning.

"That's not fair!" you protested, though the corners of your lips betrayed your amusement. Sans's grin widened further, almost mischievously, as he leaned in closer to you.

"all's fair in love and snowball fights," he quipped, his voice light and playful, punctuating his sentence with a wink. Swiftly, he flicked a tiny snowball at your nose, the cold sting contrasting sharply with the warmth that rushed to your cheeks.

        *Need some help? 

You nodded, grateful for the backup. "Yeah, let's get him together." Frisk nodded eagerly, and together you both started pelting snowballs at the smaller skeleton. The two of you coordinated your efforts, trying to outmaneuver him. But Sans, with his quick reflexes and teleportation, seemed untouchable, effortlessly dodging each one and leaving you both scrambling to keep up.

Finally, Sans launched another snowball that hit you square on the forehead, the cold trickling down your face. You wiped it away, laughing despite yourself. "Okay, okay, I give up! You're impossible to hit!" you exclaimed, throwing your hands up in mock surrender.

Sans sauntered over, his grin as wide as ever, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "guess you could say I'm a bit... out of your league," he said, chuckling at his own joke.

You shook your head, unable to suppress a smile. "Yeah, yeah. You're the snowball fight champion. But one of these days, I'll get you."

Sans gave you a playful wink, his grin softening slightly. "looking forward to it," he said. Meanwhile, Frisk, undeterred turned their attention to Papyrus, who was far easier to hit. The tall skeleton yelped dramatically each time a snowball made contact, his exaggerated reactions causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Seeing an opportunity, you shifted your focus to Undyne, who was momentarily distracted as she tried to land a hit on Frisk. With a smirk, you threw a snowball that hit her right in the back. She spun around, eyes wide with surprise, before breaking into a grin and resuming the playful battle.

As the snowball fight continued, you couldn't help but notice how much lighter Undyne seemed. Her earlier worries seemed to melt away with each snowball she threw, her laughter mixing with everyone else's. Eventually, the snowball fight began to wind down, everyone panting and laughing as they collapsed into the snow.

Undyne flopped down beside you, her breath coming in visible puffs in the chilly air. She laid back, spreading her arms wide in the snow, her armor making a soft crunching sound against the frozen ground.

"That was epic," she said, a soft sigh escaping her. "I haven't had that much fun in ages." You chuckled, still catching your breath, the cold air searing your lungs while beads of sweat traveled down your spine, mixing with the chill to create a peculiar sensation.

"Yeah, I didn’t know you had such a good arm for snowballs. I almost feel sorry for Frisk and Papyrus." Undyne turned her head, her gaze locking onto yours, a playful grin spreading across her face. 

"Almost?" You shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. 

"Almost. They did put up a good fight, after all." Undyne chuckled, the sound rich and warm, like a crackling fire on a cold night. She sat up, brushing some snow chunks that had dried in her red ponytail.

"Eh, it was nothing. But you, you were a real challenge. I didn’t expect you to have such good aim." A flush of pride warmed your cheeks at her words, the praise making your heart swell.

"Thanks. But I think we both know who the real champion is." You said nodding towards Sans, who was currently sprawled facedown in the snow, his snores muffled by the soft white blanket beneath him. Undyne followed your gaze and snorted, a grin spreading across her face.

"Sans, the eternal snowball champion. I swear, that monster's impossible to hit. It's like he's got eyes in the back of his head." You nodded in agreement, watching Sans's peaceful form, then glanced at Frisk, who was now animatedly signing with Papyrus. Despite the intense snowball fight, they both seemed energized once more. You turned your gaze back to Undyne, who was now leaning back on her elbows, her face tilted upwards, a thoughtful expression softening her usually fierce features.

"So, what's next?" she asked, her lips lifting into a teasing smile. "Any more surprises up your sleeve?" You grinned, sitting up as well as you were suddenly filled with a surge of energy. 

"Well, I was thinking we could build the biggest snow fort the Underground has ever seen. What do you say?" You say cheekily, leaning toward the monster. Undyne shot you a toothy smile, shooting up to her feet faster than you could blink.

"Now that's a plan I can get behind! Let's do it!" As you both stood up, the rest of your friends began to gather around, Papyrus and Frisk lighting up in excitement as they eagerly collected piles of snow. Together, you all started working, piling up snow to create your grand fortress. Of course, you used bits of your magic, much to Papyrus's dismay as he continuously scolded you for being lazy. 

Frisk and Papyrus's laughter rang out as they sculpted the walls, their hands moving quickly, while Sans offered lazy but surprisingly effective tips from his resting spot. Undyne took charge of the design, her worries from earlier seeming completely forgotten. As they continued to work, you allowed yourself a break, laying beside Sans as he peacefully slept.

The snow beneath you felt softer now, almost welcoming, as you lay back and gazed up at the gems above you, a smile playing on your lips. It was nice to have a day where you weren't worrying about Flowey, the memories of Frisk dying, or the thought of confronting Sans. The day had been perfect, and the memories you had made would stay with you forever. 

Chapter Text

Her back slammed into the ground, the breath knocked out of her as she collided with sand. With a grunt, she shifted, trying to reach the weapon that had flown out of her hand. Sand scraped against her skin as she extended her arm, fingers stretching toward the weapon just inches away. 

Just as her fingertips brushed against the hilt, cold steel met her throat, the sharp edge of a blade pressing against her skin. With a sharp intake of breath, she looked up at her closest friend. 

"I win," Caz stood above her, his dark eyes flashing with amusement as he stared down at her. He pulled back with a grin, skillfully sheathing his sword with a flick of his wrist before extending a hand out to her. She let out a breath, eyeing it briefly, before taking his hand and slowly getting to her feet with a wince. Every muscle in her body protested, unsurprising as they'd been training all morning. 

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get too cocky about it," she muttered, brushing the dirt from her clothes as she straightened.

Caz chuckled, leaning forward he ran a hand through his short messy head of hair, his sweat flying in the air. [Name] cringed, nose wrinkling in disgust as she stepped back. "You know I can't help it," he replied, his smirk widening. She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite herself.

"You know," she said, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfying pop. "one of these days, I’m going to beat you, Caz. And when I do, you’ll never hear the end of it." He laughed, a deep, genuine sound as he leaned closer to her.

"Sure maybe in your dreams." She smacked his arm and he flinched, holding his hands up in surrender with a laugh. He adjusted the straps on his armor, his giggles fading as his smiles softened. "Though you have been getting better. I can see it." He amended. She smirked, picking up her discarded weapon and giving it a few practice swings.

"Flattery won’t get you anywhere. But thanks." She paused, looking around at the other trainees winding down their training sessions. The training ground of the lodge was a short walk from the main building, nestled within a natural clearing in the dense pine forest.

 The central area was a large, flat expanse of packed dirt and grass, with various sections designated for different types of training. To one side, an array of wooden and straw dummies stood in rows, some already showing signs of heavy use with nicks and cuts from swords and other weapons.

Nearby, a series of stationary and moving targets were set up for arrows and elemental use, their bullseyes marked with the scars of arrows and remnants of elemental power. A set of wooden beams and ropes formed an obstacle course to one side of the clearing, specifically designed to test agility, strength, and endurance.

She could practically do the course with her eyes closed, from how many times she was forced to do it and it was one of the few things she was better at than Caz. They were currently adjacent to the obstacle course, standing in the large sand pit that was mostly used for sparring without the risk of serious injury.

"How about another round?" she suggested, smirking as she gently knocked the back of Caz's head with the flat of her blade. He grinned, rubbing the back of his skull.

"You’re on. This time, I promise not to go easy on you." He teased. Rolling her eyes she stood across from him, twisting the blade with a flick of her wrist. Just as they squared off, ready to begin, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Caz!" They both turned, [Name]'s heart sinking as she recognized the voice. Caz's knuckles turned white as his grip on his sword tightened, the smile on his face immediately dropping. As the newcomer moved through the crowd, people instinctively gave him a wide berth, and the laughter that once rang through the air disappeared instantly. 

He was tall and imposing man, his long black hair pulled back into a tight bun as a few rebellious strands framed his face. A deep, diagonal scar ran from his left eyebrow down to his cheek, its edges ragged and discolored with age and despite his somewhat attractive features, something was unsettling about him. 

His eyes, devoid of any warmth, scrutinized everything with a chilling intensity, missing nothing and tolerating even less. This was William Blackthorn, co-owner of the lodge, notorious for his harsh punishments and in charge of all non-elemental training.

"Of course, I find you here, wasting your time," he snapped, coming to a stop. Cursing under his breath, Caz turned, a brief flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "I told you that continually training with someone below your level is not going to help you improve." Blackthorn's gaze shifted to the girl, his lip curling in disgust.

Caz's fists clenched at his sides, and he took a step forward, his muscles taut with barely restrained anger. She quickly grabbed Caz's shoulder, subtly shaking her head. His eyes flicked to hers, and the storm within them began to calm, dissipating with a sigh. She waited, heart pounding, until she was certain he wouldn't attack before turning her attention back to the unwelcome visitor.

"Sir. He's been training all day," she tried to explain, her voice wavering as Blackthorn's flicked toward her, annoyance flashing across his face. She forced herself to continue, struggling to keep her voice steady despite the hammering in her chest. "It's just a bit of fun."

The man scoffed, his expression twisting into something ugly. "Caz doesn’t have time for fun. He’s special, destined for greatness. He doesn’t need to waste his time with-" His eyes narrowed as they raked over her, the contempt in them unmistakable. "-someone like you." 

The words hit her like a slap, her cheeks flushing. It was like she could feel the sting of the insult, her muscles tensing in response.

"Come with me," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument as he started walking back toward the main lodge. Caz’s didn't move and Blackthorn slowed, not even looking back. 

"Now, Son," he said, the words cutting through the air like a blade. "I won't repeat myself." Caz's eyes flicked between her and his father, his jaw ticking as he stood straighter. 

"Why can't I train with [Name], she's strong and capable and one of the few people I like to train with. I need this. I need her." 

His father’s face hardened further, if that was even possible, his lips pressing into a thin line as he turned back toward the duo. "What you need," he repeated, each word enunciated as he stepped closer. 

Caz shrank, his breath hitching as he instinctively moved in front of [Name]. "is to focus on your real training, not these pointless exercises. Every minute here is a minute wasted." 

"He's not wasting time. We're pushing each other, growing stronger together. Just because he's the 'chosen one' doesn't mean-"

"Enough!" His father’s voice thundered, cutting her off sharply. She flinched at the intensity of his anger, instinctively taking a step back as he advanced, his presence overwhelming. "You don't understand what it takes to reach the top. Caz does. Or at least he should." 

Caz’s shoulders tensed, and he squared his jaw, meeting his father's stare. For a moment, they locked eyes, Caz growing tenser and more ridged by the second.

"Father, please," he began again, his tone softer now, practically pleading. "Just let me-"

"You’ll come now," his father interrupted once more, his voice a low growl. "Or I'll make sure you never lay eyes on your little friend again." Caz's body stiffened as the full force of his father's threat hit him, his breath catching in his throat. His hands, which had been clenched into fists at his sides, slowly unfurled as the fight drained out of him.

 His lower lip trembled slightly, and he swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. His father’s face remained impassive as he watches Caz grit his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he forced himself to nod.

"Yes, Father," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His palms glowed faintly with a soft white light as his grip loosened, his sword falling into the sand with a muted thump. She could only watch as they left, disappearing into the woods as her gaze fell to the lone sword in front of her. 

Her jaw tightened, her breaths growing shallow and rapid as she tsked. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her nails digging into her palms. With a furious snarl, she kicked the sword, sending it skittering uselessly a few feet away.

Without a moment's hesitation, she turned and stormed over to a training dummy. She gripped her sword so tightly that her palm turned an angry red, the blade trembling in her hand as if it too felt her rage. With a savage cry, she stabbed the dummy in the chest, the sound of metal clashing against wood echoing loudly in the training yard.

Her chest heaved, her breathing ragged and uneven. Her eyes, usually soft and calm, now glowed a bright blue, an icy fierce color. The magic in her chest contracted, her fingertips tingling as the air around her turned cold.

Her arm shot out, and with it, a torrent of water surged toward the target. In an instant, the water froze into sharp, black ice, crashing into the dummy and splintering it into countless pieces as the shards scattered across the yard, clattering onto the ground like glass. 

She stopped, breathless and drained as sweat trickled down her forehead, her chest rising and falling with exertion. Her grip on the sword loosened, the weapon slipping from her numb fingers to the ground. Shakily, she raised her hands to her face, eyes widening. Her fingertips were purplish blue, the color slowly traveling down her fingers to her palms.

Claps sounded behind her and she spun around, stiffening as she recognized who stood there. Lily Whitlock, the second co-owner of the lodge and the one in charge of all elemental training. The woman tilted her head to survey the damage, the small pocket watch around her neck slipping out from underneath her shirt as she leaned forward.

"Impressive. I can tell you've improved, though perhaps you can learn not to make such a mess," Lily teased, her long white hair bouncing as she approached the teenager. Immediately, [Name] bowed, pressing her hands together, her heart pounding in her chest. Of course, Lily quickly waved off her gesture, her amber eyes gleaming with pride.

[Name] felt a surge of conflicting emotions: embarrassment, frustration, and a lingering trace of anger. She straightened slowly, her eyes darting to the shattered remains of the target, and scoffed, her glare intensifying. "It was a fluke. I was just... angry," she muttered, her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them into fists, trying to steady herself.

Lily’s expression softened as she stepped closer, bending down to pick up a small piece of the remaining ice from the ground. 

"Even so, your control has improved. But that power... it can be dangerous if not tempered." The girl shook her head, a sense of shame washing over her as she crossed her arms, pressing them closer to her body as if trying to contain the raw energy still swirling within her chest. 

"Why didn't you stop me?" the girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lily sighed, her gaze gentle as she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on [Name]'s shoulder.

"Because you needed to let it out. Holding back your emotions, your power, only makes it harder to control. You needed this moment to see your own strength, and to understand the responsibility that comes with it."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Guilt crawled up her spine, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Lily pulled back, her expression lighting up, as she waved for the girl to follow.

"Come, let's walk," Lily said gently. They began to stroll along a quiet path, the soft crunch of their footsteps blending with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. The sun filtered through the canopy above, casting shadows on the ground as they traveled further and further into nature. 

Lily seemed content to walk in silence, her fingertips lightly brushing against the leaves of the underbrush as they passed. The girl watched, captivated, as a wilting flower straightened under Lily's touch, the vibrant color of its petals returning to a beautiful blue. Magic seemed so natural to Lily, so ingrained in her being, while [Name] still continued to struggle.

Blackthorn's words from earlier echoed in her mind, haunting her thoughts once more. She clenched her fists at her sides, forcing her thoughts to shift. And shift they did, the fear in Caz's eyes, the way his shoulders slumped under the weight of his father's expectations. As much as she wished she was special the way Caz was treated wasn't fair.

"Why didn't you do anything to stop Caz's dad?" The words escaped her before she could stop them, the sound breaking the silence around them. "He's pushing him too hard." Lily paused mid-step, an emotion [Name] couldn't quite place flickering across her mentor's face before it dissipated.

"[Name]. It's not as simple as you think it is."

"Why not?" [Name] demanded, her frustration bubbling over like a pot about to boil. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill. "Caz is miserable. His father's expectations are crushing him. I feel so helpless watching it happen, knowing I can't do anything to make it better."

Lily took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she looked ahead, her gaze fixed on a point far beyond the trees. "Caz has a great responsibility as a Light Elemental," she began. "It's his duty to protect our world from the Shadows that threaten to engulf it."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing. "His father believes in preparing him for that responsibility, even if it means pushing him beyond what seems fair or reasonable."

The girl scoffed, her foot connecting with a stone as she watched it roll down the path. "That's stupid." She immediately regretted her choice of words at the sharp look her mentor shot her. 

The girl's shoulders slumped, and she bit her lip, trying to hold back the anger growing inside her. "I just wish things were different for him," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lily nodded, reaching out as she placed a comforting hand on [Name]'s shoulder, the warmth of her touch seeping through the girl's thin shirt. "Life is seldom fair," Lily said gently. "But we can choose how we respond to its challenges. Caz will need support, but he must also find his own strength."

"Do you think Caz will be okay?" [Name] asked, her voice tinged with worry. Lily's almost golden eyes softened, and she gave a small, reassuring smile.

"Caz is strong, stronger than he knows. But strength is not just about power or endurance. It's also about resilience, about the ability to bend without breaking. He will face many challenges, but he is not alone. He has you, and he has others who care about him. [Name] nodded, though the knot of worry in her chest didn't loosen. She didn't fully agree with Lily's perspective but kept her mouth shut, knowing there was no use in arguing any further. 

As Lily turned to leave, her fingers brushed against another flower, bringing it back to life with a touch. [Name] watched her mentor walk away, left alone with a once-wilted flower and her swirling thoughts, [Name] tried to take comfort in Lily's words. Yet, the weight of her worries about Caz and her own struggles with magic pressed heavily on her heart.

Kneeling beside the newly revived flower, she traced the delicate petals with her fingers. "If only it were that easy."

*          *          *          *          * 

The snow crunched softly beneath your boots as you walked through the forest, each step sinking slightly into the thick, powdery layer that blanketed the ground. The trees stood tall and silent around you, their branches heavy with fresh snow that drifted lazily down like tiny, glittering feathers.

Your breath formed small clouds in the frigid air, which nipped at your cheeks and turned them a rosy pink, though the cold barely registered in your mind.

As you walked, your thoughts swirled and twisted like snowflakes in the gentle breeze.  "If you want answers, you'll have to talk to the oldest brother." Flowey's voice, dripping with mockery, echoed in your mind, each word a sharp needle pricking at your thoughts. "Though, I highly doubt he'll tell you."

You shook your head, trying to forget Flowey's nagging voice, but the sentences continued to run circles in your mind. A part of you wished you could forget the conversation entirely, to move on. But the image of Frisk's lifeless body flashed before your eyes, stopping you in your tracks. You let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose as you force yourself to continue walking. 

Curse that psychopathic flower, you thought, shaking off the unsettling memory as you trudged forward. It wasn't long before you arrived at Sans' sentry station, not even attempting to be quiet as you walked up to the small structure. The worn wood of the station creaked slightly as you drew nearer, and you could see Sans slouched over, asleep as usual. His blue sweatshirt rose and fell with his deep, steady snores, his skeletal form relaxed and completely oblivious to your presence.

"Hey, Sans," you called out softly, leaning against the booth as you stuffed your hands into your pockets to ward off the chill. "Enjoying another nap on the job?" Sans stirred at the sound of your voice, his sockets opening slightly as his snores abruptly stopped. He lifted his head, a lazy grin spreading across his skull as he stared at you, his sockets half-lidded and droopy with sleep.

"heh, you know me," he replied, his voice a slow drawl. "always bone tired."

A chuckle escaped your lips at his pun, and you couldn't help but roll your eyes. "You never change, do you?" You shook your head, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth, but it didn't quite reach your eyes. Sans straightened up a bit, his movements slow and exaggerated as he yawned and stretched his arms above his head, before resting his skull in his hand. 

"so, what brings you out here during my shift? ya miss me that much?" Sans quipped, sending you a wink. Normally, you would've teased him right back, but your fake smile faded as you tensed. He seemed to notice the shift as his smile twitched, his sockets narrowing slightly as he studied you with a newfound intensity. Awkwardly you shifted under his stare, rubbing the back of your neck. 

"I was just... thinking," you began tentatively, your voice almost lost in the gentle breeze that stirred the branches above. "About the day I first fought Undyne." Sans's grin faltered subtly, a fleeting shadow passing over his skull before he masked it with practiced ease. As if nothing happened, his eye sockets crinkled faintly as he tilted his head encouraging you to continue.

"oh yeah?" he replied casually, though his voice was heavier this time, almost strained. "that was a pretty intense day, huh?"

"Yeah," you agreed softly, your nerves beginning to creep in as you recounted the unsettling memories. Clearing your throat, you try and get your thoughts in order. "I don't know how to say this. But I have these...memories of events that never happened that day. It felt like the day kept repeating. Like I was stuck in a time loop." 

Sans's eye sockets widened almost unnoticeably, a brief flicker of surprise and what seemed like horror crossing his skull before he smoothed it away with a nonchalant shrug. 

"weird stuff happens sometimes," he offered casually, his tone meant to reassure but falling slightly short. "maybe you were just tired or something."

Sans's response was almost too quick, too dismissive. The easygoing facade had cracked for just a moment, and your brows furrowed as you straightened.

His usual lazy smile appeared strained, and his eyelights shifted to the side as he avoided meeting your gaze, instead staring out into the forest. 

He's hiding something.

"I don't think so." you persisted. "Because it felt so real like it was actually happening. Nothing like a dream." Placing a hand on the table you lean closer, your eyes narrowing as your voice lowers. Sans's grin faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his skull his eyelights lifted to meet your stare. 

"And I have a feeling," you continued, your voice barely above a whisper now, "you know exactly what I'm talking about." Sans didn't respond immediately, his expression unreadable as he stared at you, his eyelights turning into pinpricks. The air between you both thickened as he shifted in his seat, his phalanges tapping against the tabletop.  

 "ya must've been dreaming, bud," he repeated, his smile tightening as he intentionally leaned back, putting distance between the both of you. "if i were you i'd just forget about it." Shaking your head, you let out a breath, frustration building up inside you. 

"Sans-" you began, but before you could get any further, a sudden wave of magic washed over you. Instinctively, your own magic flared in response, and you stiffened, feeling your blood turn to ice. The world around you seemed to blur, the sensation of dissociation creeping in as your mind struggled to process the sudden shift. 

You're not in danger. You're not in danger. You're not in danger. It's just Sans, you repeated to yourself, trying to anchor your thoughts. Despite your mantra, your panic grew, the edges of reality becoming fuzzy. The Shadowbringer isn't here, no one is attacking me. Sans's grin vanished, replaced by a fleeting flicker of confusion that was quickly overshadowed by what you recognized as guilt.

In less than a second, his figure glitched and he disappeared, leaving you standing alone amidst the gently falling snow. The cold air stung your skin, bringing you back to the present as his magic faded, and finally, you were able to breath again. You blinked rapidly, trying to clear the haze from your mind as you ran your hand through your hair. Once you come to, you stare in disbelief and you pull back from the table, scoffing softly as you stare at the now-empty seat.

"Great," you muttered. Not only had you experienced a random panic attack, but San's behavior was more then suspicious. As much as you didn't want to admit it, Flowey was right. Sans knew about the weird memories, and he was determined not to tell you.

Perhaps you had been foolish to think your friendship with Sans meant more than just him not sending you death glares every five seconds. The more you thought about it, the more you realized how little you actually knew about him. Sans never exposed anything personal, always deflecting with jokes and lazy grins. With a resolute shake of your head, you turned away from the empty guard station.

Your thoughts churned as you made your way back into the forest, retracing the path toward town. The trees around you blurred into indistinct shapes, your focus inward as you wrestled with your thoughts.

After all this time he still doesn't trust me. You sighed, ducking under a tree branch as Flowey's smug smile came to mind, and you grimaced, cursing under your breath. Flowey had warned you, albeit for his amusement, but he did tell you this was going to happen.

 I'm done being kept in the dark. Screw Sans and his secrets. I'm going to find out the truth, one way or another. With renewed determination, you strode into town, the familiar streets seeming colder and less inviting as you made your way toward Grillby's, the one place you knew Sans would likely be. 

As you stepped into the bar, the door creaked open, the bell above it jingling softly. The bar was as always, warm, Grillby immediately waving at you from a patron's table as you entered. Forcing a smile to your face you wave back, your smile dropping the instant the fire monster turned away from you.

It wasn't hard to find Sans. He was slumped over at the bar, a bottle of ketchup in hand, as he took a quick sip.   As if sensing your presence, he turned slightly at the sound of the door opening, and he visibly stiffened. 

"Hey there, buddy," he started, as if nothing had happened. His attempt to act normal was almost convincing, but you could sense the underlying tension in his voice. You approached him, a quiet huff escaping your lips as you stood beside him, your eyes locked onto his. The room seemed to quiet around you, the chatter of monsters fading into the background as your focus narrowed solely on Sans. 

"Cut the act, Sans," you said, your voice low and steady. "We need to talk." His grin flickered again, and he shifted uncomfortably on his stool, 

"sure thing, bud," he replied, trying to maintain his usual demeanor. "what's on your mind?" His skull lifted in a almost genuine way, but you could see the strain in his posture, and the way his fingers drummed lightly on the counter. You shook your head slowly, taking a seat on the barstool beside him. 

"You know exactly what's on my mind," you shot back, your eyes boring into his. "That day restarted three times. I want to know why.  

His grip on the ketchup bottle tightened, and his eyelights flickered, betraying a flicker of annoyance or perhaps something deeper. The room felt even more oppressive, the tension between you both almost suffocating. 

"you're making a big deal outta nothing," he muttered. His fingers continued their nervous drumming, and his grin seemed forced, as if he was struggling to keep up his normal behavior. 

"Sans stop lying. I know you know what happened." 

"it's not that simple," he murmured, his voice so soft it was almost lost in the quiet room. His eyes were downcast, the usual spark replaced by a dull, weary glimmer. "there's... a lot ya don't understand. And it's better that way."

You could feel your heart tighten at his words, a sharp pang of hurt twisting through you. Anger flared, and you clenched your fists, your nails digging into your palms.

"Better for who?" you demanded, your voice trembling with the force of your emotion. "For you? For me? You can't just decide what's best for me, Sans."

Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet yours. His expression was unreadable, a mix of emotions flickered across his skull-sadness, regret, and  something else you couldn't quite place. He sighed, a long, drawn-out breath. "it's not about deciding," he said softly, almost apologetically. "it's about protecting."

Your anger, fierce and burning just moments ago, began to wane, replaced by a creeping confusion. You'd been ready to fight, to argue your point until he saw reason, but now uncertainty clouded your mind. 

Sans stood there, his posture slightly slumped, shoulders heavy as if carrying an invisible burden. He wasn't meeting your eyes anymore, instead staring somewhere past you, lost in thought. You noticed the way his hands fidgeted at his sides, fingers twitching as though they wanted to reach out toward you but was forcing themselves to stay put.

Your voice softened, the edge of anger now dulled by bewilderment. "Protecting me from what?

Sans sighed heavily, "once you know, you can't forget," he murmured, "you'll lose hope. you'd stop being yourself." Sans, a skeleton who had often seemed indifferent or even dismissive toward you during your time in the underground, now admitted that he wanted to protect you. Sans watched you intently, his eye sockets following your every move as you stood there in thoughtful silence. After a moment a rueful smile tugged at your lips as you turned to face him. 

"You don't know what's going to happen," you countered softly. Sans's eyelights widened fractionally, a glimmer of something akin to hope flickering briefly in his sockets. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then hesitated, his gaze dropping to the wooden floorboards beneath his feet.

He shook his head, the vulnerability that had briefly surfaced now masked by a forced grin. "for your sake, try and forget. otherwise, you'll drive yourself crazy." With that cryptic warning, he disappeared in his characteristic blip, leaving behind only his abandoned ketchup bottle. Standing up, you roll your eyes, childishly knocking over the condiment.

"Really wish he would stop doing that." you muttered, frustration simmering beneath the surface as you trudged through the snowy paths of Snowdin. You weren't sure how long you searched for before you were trudging back to Sans's and Papyrus's house.

The sharp creak of the wooden door echoed in the quiet living room as you pushed it open with a sharp creak. Immediately, you kicked off your boots and shrugged out of your coat, the weight of the day settling on your shoulders. Rubbing your eyes wearily, you made your way toward the small red couch.

However before you could take more than a couple of steps, you froze your eye twitching in annoyance. Sans was laying sprawled across the small furniture, one leg casually hanging off the edge as his pink slipper barely hung onto his foot. His usual grin was notably absent, replaced by a weary frown.

As you drew closer, you noticed his eyelights, usually bright was now dulled to a faint gray. Not to mention the dark circles under his sockets more pronounced than ever, betraying the toll his frequent teleportations were taking on him. Despite his obvious fatigue, he perked up slightly as you entered, his sockets flickering with a mix of surprise and resignation.

"you're like a dog with a bone, huh? not gonna give up asking, are ya?" he remarked dryly, rubbing his hand across the front of his skull.  Settling beside him on the couch, you noticed how his shoulders tensed, as if he bracing himself for another round of questioning.

"No, I'm not," you replied firmly. Sans sighed, his body somehow getting sucked further into the couch cushions.

”alright.” Magic flared in the air once more, and without another thought, you lunged forward, wrapping your arms tightly around the skeleton as he started to fade from view. 

The air around you crackled with energy, a strange, almost electric sensation. The world began to blur, the colors and shapes around you twisting and melding together in a dizzying whirl. It was as if you were being pulled through a tunnel of light and shadow, the sensation both exhilarating and terrifying.

As the teleportation took hold, your stomach dropped, the ground seemed to vanish beneath you. The feeling was akin to being caught in a powerful whirlwind, your body weightless and spinning uncontrollably. You could feel the skeleton's presence beside you, his bones cool and firm against your skin.

Then, just as suddenly as it began, it was over. You felt solid ground beneath your feet again, the abrupt change leaving your stomach churning and your head spinning. The world around you was still spinning, your vision blurred and dark. You struggled to regain your balance, the ground feeling unsteady beneath your feet.

Hands gently cupped your cheeks, their touch surprisingly gentle yet firm. Disoriented, you instinctively tried to push them away, only to find that they refused to budge. As your vision slowly cleared, you realized you were seated on the ground, face-to-face with Sans who knelt before you, his eyelights reduced to pinpricks of concern as he held your face tenderly in his hands.

You flinched backward slightly, heat rising to your cheeks in embarrassment at the unexpected closeness. Instead of looking offended, Sans visibly relaxed, shifting to sit on the ground beside you with a heavy sigh of relief.

"oh, thank the stars," he murmured under his breath, his voice laced with genuine concern. His expression sharpened as he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "that was reckless," he gently scolded, though there was no bite behind his words, and he seemed to give up. "are you okay?"

You nodded weakly, taking deep breaths to settle your stomach and regain your composure. "Yeah, just... didn't expect that," you admitted quietly, still catching your breath from the unexpected teleportation. 

Sans sighed again, his expression softening with relief as he gave you a once-over to ensure you were truly unharmed. His skeletal features relaxed into an easy smile, though a hint of concern lingered in his eye lights.

"ya shouldn't have done that. teleporting isn't exactly a joyride for most people," he remarked. At his reminder, you turned trying to figure out where he had teleported you. As your gaze swept over your surroundings, your mouth gently opened in awe.

Before you was a magnificent waterfall, its shimmering blue waters cascading down in a graceful, endless stream. The sound of the water was a gentle roar, soothing yet powerful, filling your ears so much so, that you wondered how you didn't notice it before. 

The air was cool as faint mist from the water lightly brushed against your cheeks. Lazily your fingertips danced across the damp ground beneath you, the dirt covered in a layer of fine, velvety moss that cushioned your feet. Sans seemed to notice your awe, a low chuckle escaping him.

"welcome to waterfall. it’s my favorite place down here." With that, he stood and extended a bony hand toward you. His eyelights, though often weary, now seemed inviting, almost comforting in their soft white glow.

You stared at his hand for a moment, hesitating as you took in the warmth in his gaze. Then, you reached out and grabbed it. With a gentle tug, he pulled you up, a faint smirk playing on his face.

"come on," He didn't wait for you, already trudging ahead of you in the dark. You followed him, the cool, damp air brushing against you, carrying the scent of moss and fresh water. As you walked, the soft crunch of your footsteps on the mossy ground mixed with the distant trickle of water.  Suddenly, the path opened up into a small, secluded grove, and there, scattered along the edge of the stream, were clusters of vibrant blue flowers, their petals glowing softly in the dim light.

You gasped, stepping closer as you gently held one of the petals between your fingertips, the petals cool under your touch. 

"these are echo Flowers," Sans explained gently. He was standing behind you, his breath tickling the back of your neck. "they're special. they have the ability to repeat any sound they hear."

"They're beautiful," you whispered, captivated as you brought your hand up the small plant, your smile widening as your palm was engulfed in a soft blue light. 

Sans' eyelights dilated as he watched you, his cheekbones a soft cerulean as you continued to admire the field of flowers. If you were looking, you would've noticed the way his smile fell, instead replaced by one of shock as he watched you.

"yeah. it is." You turned toward him, your eyes meeting his. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The soft glow of the Echo Flowers cast a gentle light over Sans' face, highlighting the subtle blue blush on his cheekbones. There was something in his stare that made your breath hitch, your heart skipping a beat. 

You both stared at each other, the tension between you thickening as you both unconsciously drew closer to each other. The sounds of the Underground faded into the background, leaving only the soft echo of your own heartbeat, as you swallowed, your mouth suddenly feeling dry. The moment felt fragile, like a delicate bubble that could burst with the slightest touch.

Sans' eyelights flickered down to your lips and then back up to your eyes, the motion almost unnoticeable but enough to send a shiver down your spine. Suddenly Sans cleared his throat, the sound abrupt in the stillness, startling you as you pulled back. 

"watch this," he said, though this time his voice seemed a little more strained as he leaned down to the nearest Echo Flower. "hello," he whispered. A moment later, the flower echoed back, “hello," in a perfect mimic of Sans' voice.

It was like a domino effect, the other flowers nearby following suit. You laughed softly, the sound pulling you from whatever stupor you were in. 

"This place is amazing," you said, turning to Sans with a genuine smile. "I can see why you like it here." You moved to sit on the soft, mossy ground, leaning against the cool stone of a nearby rock. For a moment, you sat in comfortable silence, listening to the gentle trickle of the underground stream and the soft whispers of the Echo Flowers.

As you watch the shimmering water, your thoughts began to drift, images from that day flashing though your mind once more. You glanced at Sans, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyelights reflecting the soft glow of the flowers. 

"Sans," you began, your voice barely above a whisper. You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. "I need you to understand... I feel like I’m going crazy. These memories, these repeating days... it’s like I’m trapped in a nightmare.”

You let out a strained laugh, the sound swallowed by the gentle rustling of the echo flowers swaying in the soft breeze around you. Folding your legs tightly against your chest, you buried your head in your hands, fingers tangling in your hair.

 You didn't look at the skeleton, but you could tell he was uncomfortable by the way he shifted his weight from one foot to the other before finally lowering himself onto the cool grass beside you. Sans hesitated, his eyelights flickering towards you before settling on a distant point in the field.

"i know it feels like you're alone in this, but... you're not." You lifted your head from your lap, staring at him in disbelief.

"Then help me understand, Sans." His sigh was heavy, and he hesitated, the corners of his mouth twitching momentarily before his smile vanished completely. His phalanges scraped the top of his skull, an unsettling sound as the bone-on-bone noise made you wince, before his hand dropped back to his side.

"what you're experiencing... it's called a reset." Your brows furrowed as you straightened up, trying to process his words. Sans seemed lost in thought now, his eyelights unfocused and distant, not quite looking at you anymore.

"it's an ability that Frisk has, the power to reset time back to a certain point," he continued, his voice betraying a hint of bitterness. "usually, they reset when things go wrong, when they die, or when they get bored."

Wait, that means... Your chest tightened, and you instinctively hugged your knees tighter, a cold shiver running down your spine. "The resets that day... it was because Undyne killed them, isn't it?" you whispered. Sans nodded silently, his expression grave, and a sinking feeling settled in your chest like a stone. You searched his face for any sign of hesitation, any flicker of doubt, for any sign of a lie, but Sans' sockets remained steady.

"it's not even the first time Frisk has fallen into the underground," 

"That's not possible." He shifted, his eye sockets narrowing slightly, a rare seriousness settling across his skull as he finally turned to face you.

"the kid... they've killed monsters. dusting them, we call it," Sans explained. His eyelights wavered, flickering as his fists clenched almost imperceptibly. "they've even dusted Papyrus. and then they reset time like nothing happened. they've done it countless times, too many to count."

What. That can't be true. The kid couldn't have... Your face paled, the blood seeming to drain from your veins as a chill gripped your spine. You released your grip on yourself, hands trembling as you stared at Sans in disbelief. You studied his expression, searching desperately for any trace of a lie. But there was nothing.

"But why would Frisk do that?" you wondered aloud, barely above a whisper. "They seem to care so much about everyone." Sans shrugged wearily, a dry laugh escaping him. 

"the kid once told me they felt weird, like someone else was influencing them," he admitted. "but they promised this time would be different. they promised that we would all make it to the surface for good." He paused, his eye sockets narrowing slightly.

"heh, of course i don't believe them," Sans admitted. "i've seen this play out too many times. every run ends the same. i wake up back in the Underground, and it all starts over. The air grew heavy with silence as Sans's words sank in and your mind couldn't help but drift to Frisk. 

About how determined and kind they had always been. They were like family to you, so the idea that they could harm anyone, especially someone like Papyrus, was just... baffling.

How could someone who showed so much care and kindness also have the ability to do such terrible things? It didn't make sense. It felt like a betrayal of everything you believed about them, like a crack in the foundation of your friendship. 

The questions raced through your mind, each one more unsettling than the last. A deep unease settled over you, making your chest feel tight.

Can I even trust them anymore? You shook your head, trying to dispel the growing sense of dread, and looked toward Sans once more, your face softening with empathy.

"I'm sorry, Sans," you murmured. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you." Your throat tightened as you spoke, the weight of the revelation bearing down on you. Sans didn't respond; he seemed to retreat further into himself, his fingers twisting the grass below him absentmindedly. His usually sharp eye sockets were dull and distant, lost in some dark corner of his mind.

"Does anyone else remember? Besides you and Frisk?" You avoided mentioning Flowey, not wanting to dredge up memories of the troublesome flower. Sans's smile returned, but it was strained and hollow. He plucked at the grass, twirling it between his phalanges as if it were the only thing grounding him to the present moment.

"no. sometimes paps gets flashes, but he never truly remembers." There was a heaviness in his white eyelights, a profound sadness that spoke volumes more than words ever could. It was a look you recognized all too well, one of someone who had lost hope. 

Without a second thought, you closed the distance between you and Sans. You reached out and wrapped your arms around him, his coat balled up in your hands. Immediately he stiffened, a sound of surprise escaping his non-existent throat, his body feeling cold and rigid against you.

"Sans," you whispered, your voice barely audible. The skeleton's shoulders tensed slightly at your touch, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he let out a shaky breath, his fingers momentarily pausing in their movements. 

 "I remember," you continued, your voice steadier now. "And this time is different because I'm here. I promise you, with all my heart and soul, I will do everything in my power to bring everyone back to the surface." For a heartbeat, neither of you moved, and the silence between you was deafening. 

What am I doing? You tense, your lungs tightening in realization. However, before you could pull away, he slowly, almost hesitantly, wrapped his bony arms around you. His fingers brushed lightly against your back, his touch tentative and uncertain as he began to relax into your embrace.

 "[name]," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "don't make promises you can't keep."

You pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze as your hands moved up to his shoulders. "I would never," you replied firmly "I mean it, Sans." 

He let out another shaky breath, his expression softening as he looked at you. The weight of his sadness seemed to lift, if only slightly, replaced by a flicker of growing hope. Reluctantly, he pulled away from you, his grip loosening but not completely letting go.

"alright," he finally said, his voice quiet but filled with a newfound determination. "alright, bud." You stared at each other for a moment longer before he stood, dusting off his shorts as he shot you a lazy wink. 

"ya know," he started pointing back to the cave where you both had came from. "this place is nice and all, but I bet things will really fall into place once we're back home." You rolled your eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth.

"You never miss a chance for a pun, do you?"

Sans shrugged, leaning toward you as you stood, crossing your arms. "what can i say? it's a 'skele-ton' of fun."

You chuckled, feeling the tension ease from your shoulders as you walked past him. "Alright, Mr. Funnybones. We should head back. Papyrus is probably waiting for us to come back for dinner."

Sans nodded, brushing lingering pieces of grass off his coat as he followed you. "yeah, you know how he gets when dinner's late. he'd probably have a bone to chew with us." You laughed, rolling your eyes as he chuckled, moving to walk beside you. Together, you started walking back through the cave, falling back into small talk.

It was strange, really. Moments ago, it felt like the weight of the world was pressing down on you, but now, walking beside Sans, the pressure seemed to lift slightly. 

His puns, though often groan-worthy, brought you more comfort than you'd ever admit and while there were still so many unanswered questions about Frisk, so many things that gnawed at the back of your mind, for now, you allowed yourself to relax. 

Just as you both finally excited the cave, you stopped in your tracks, your eyes widening in confusion. Billowing over the treetops, in the distance, looked to be smoke. Sans seemed to notice it as well, his eye sockets narrowing as he tilted his skull.

"looks like someone's burning the midnight oil... or maybe just burning something," Sans quipped lightly, but you didn't react, realization hitting you like a bullet

No... Your heart seemed to stop as you froze in place, your soul slowly filling with an overwhelming sense of dread. The air around you thickened with a scent that stank of hatred and burnt ash. It was a scent you recognized. One that you could never forget. 

Your steps slowed involuntarily as you stared ahead, eyes fixed on the distant smoke, unable to tear your gaze away. A knot tightened in your chest, and your magic stirred restlessly within you, begging to be released. 

"Sans," you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper, "He's here." The skeleton's expression hardened his skull furrowing. 

"who's here? what are you talking about?" You turned to him, eyes wide with horror. You barely even registered the words that escaped your mouth as Sans stiffened, his eyelights disappearing in an instant.

"The Shadowbringer. He's here in the Underground."

Chapter Text

The streets of Snowdin were blanketed in a fresh layer of snow, the crisp air filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter from the townsfolk. Papyrus walked alongside Frisk, his towering frame casting a long shadow over the smaller human. The contrast between their heights was almost comical, drawing smiles from the monsters they passed. 

The morning had been peaceful, a typical day in the Underground, but as the day wore on, Papyrus couldn't shake the growing worry gnawing at him as they traveled into town.

"I WONDER WHERE SANS AND [NAME] RAN OFF TO?" Papyrus mused aloud, tapping his bony chin with his gloved finger. Frisk shrugged, seemingly unbothered, as they looked up at him with a blank expression. 

       * No idea. I just hope they aren't fighting. [Name] seemed to have something on her mind this morning when she left.

Papyrus's cheerful expression faltered slightly, his smile briefly twitching into a frown. It wasn't that he feared Sans or the human would hurt each other in battle. He was more worried about the things they might say to each other that they'd regret. Especially Sans. 

As much as Papyrus loved his brother, he knew Sans tended to mask his feelings until they bubbled over, leading to periods of isolated depression. Sometimes for days, Papyrus wouldn't see his older brother, who would either be holed up in his bedroom or down at Grillby's.

Papyrus's concern for Sans's mental health had grown over time. It seemed the older Sans got, the more detached and unmotivated he became. Papyrus could remember a time when Sans loved science, always with his skull in a book or his hands deep in some experiment. 

But one day, that spark faded, replaced by a heavy weight of something else. Papyrus had tried everything to get his brother back to normal, to find out what was bothering him, but no matter what he did, Sans never opened up, never shared what was wrong.

"OUR FRIEND HAS A TENDENCY TO REACH PEOPLE IN A WAY OTHERS CANNOT. I'M SURE THEY BOTH WILL FIGURE IT OUT!”

He believed wholeheartedly that [Name] possessed a unique ability to connect with others, perhaps even surpassing Frisk's own tendency to connect with monsters. If anyone could break through Sans' barriers and draw him out, it would be her.

"ANYWAYS, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE SURFACE, RIGHT?" Papyrus said, clearly redirecting the conversation. Frisk nodded.

        *Yeah, you were telling me how you'd get a red convertible.

Papyrus's grin returned at the thought, his orange eyelights widening. "YES! I'D LOVE TO FEEL THE WIND IN MY HAIR RIDING IN A VEHICLE LIKE THAT!" The kid chuckled, staring up at him in confusion.

        *But you don't have hair.

Papyrus let out a hearty laugh, his spirits lifting a bit. "OH, RIGHT! WELL, I'D STILL LOVE IT! HAIR OR NO HAIR!" As their shared laughter faded, a thoughtful expression crossed Frisk's face, something akin to guilt flashing in their dark irises, something which the taller skeleton failed to notice.

        *Hey, what would you do if you ever made it to the surface? Other than getting a convertible.

Papyrus paused for a moment, considering the question. 

"HMMM, THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION, HUMAN. I SUPPOSE THE FIRST THING I WOULD DO IS... EXPLORE! YES, I WOULD EXPLORE EVERYTHING! THERE MUST BE SO MANY INTERESTING THINGS TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT!" Frisk nodded, forcing a smile as they absentmindedly played with their fingers, seemingly lost in thought.

        *What kind of places would you want to visit first?

Papyrus's eyelights sparkled with excitement, his attention falling to the distance as he fell into his thoughts.

"I WOULD WANT TO SEE THE BIGGEST CITY! MEET ALL THE HUMANS AND OTHER CREATURES THERE! IMAGINE THE NEW FRIENDS WE COULD MAKE! AND THEN, I WOULD WANT TO FIND A NICE SPOT FOR A NEW HOME. SOMEWHERE PEACEFUL, BUT STILL CLOSE TO ALL THE ACTION." Frisk’s heart ached as they watched Papyrus, they pursed their lips trying to keep their expression neutral as an overwhelming amount of guilt filled them.

        *I can see you being the most popular guy in a big city. You’d probably have fans lining up to see you.

Papyrus puffed out his chest proudly, "OF COURSE! THE GREAT PAPYRUS WOULD BRING SMILES AND JOY TO ALL WHO MEET HIM! AND PERHAPS, I WOULD EVEN BECOME A CELEBRITY CHEF! MY SPAGHETTI WOULD BE FAMOUS ACROSS THE LAND! OR PERHAPS THE MASCOT FOR ALL MONSTERKIND!" Papyrus's thoughts fell to his friends, and his grin widened.

"UNDYNE WOULD PROBABLY WANT TO FIND THE BIGGEST, STRONGEST OPPONENT TO TEST HER SKILLS AGAINST. SHE LOVES A GOOD CHALLENGE! BUT I THINK SHE WOULD ALSO ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE SURFACE. SHE’S TOUGH, BUT SHE APPRECIATES NATURE TOO. 

“AND SANS WOULD PROBABLY FIND A NICE SUNNY SPOT AND TAKE A NAP. BUT I THINK HE WOULD ALSO ENJOY THE NEW JOKES AND PRANKS HE COULD PULL. THE SURFACE WOULD GIVE HIM ENDLESS MATERIAL."

He sighed, his attention falling back to Frisk, who had stopped walking, their expression unreadable as they averted their eyes downwards. 

"YOU AND [NAME] WOULD BE THERE TOO, BOTH OF YOU COULD SHOW US THE SURFACE, EVEN THOUGH SHE ISN'T FROM OUR UNIVERSE. [NAME] WOULD LIVE WITH ME AND SANS, AND WE COULD BE ABLE TO COOK TOGETHER, GO TO THE BEACH, AND JUST BE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY!"

Papyrus seemed to snap out of his daydream, coughing slightly in embarrassment as his cheekbones were lightly dusted in orange. He rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze shifting awkwardly. "AH, I MEAN, THAT IS, IF YOU BOTH WOULD WANT TO. IT'S JUST A DREAM, AFTER ALL."

Frisk finally looked up, their eyes meeting Papyrus's. They hesitated, their heart heavy with conflicting emotions. The guilt gnawed at their soul, but they forced a small, sincere smile. Their fingers fidgeted with the hem of their shirt as they tried to muster the right words.

        *That all sounds great, Papyrus. Really, it does.

Papyrus beamed, his spirits high once more. His grin was wide and genuine, his skeletal frame practically vibrating with excitement. "OF COURSE IT DOES! AND TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE IT TO THE SURFACE AND MAKE THOSE DREAMS A REALITY!"

Frisk nodded, trying to hold onto that hope despite the weight of their past decisions threatening to engulf them. Their brown eyes flickered with a mixture of determination and fear as they silently promised themselves to make amends for their actions. 

As they continued their walk, chatting about the possibilities of the world beyond the Underground, Frisk’s heart was lightened by Papyrus’s unwavering optimism.

Can I really deserve this happiness? Can I make things right? The questions haunted them, but they pushed them aside, focusing on Papyrus as he continued to talk. 

I might not deserve it, but the monsters deserve to be happy. I'll get them to the surface, and this time... It'll be permanent. 

As they finally made it into town, the vibrant hustle and bustle of everyday life in Snowdin enveloped them. The crisp air was filled with laughter and chatter, their eyes brightening as they spotted the familiar white, fluffy forms of Doggo and Dogaressa.

"Papyrus, Pup! How are you guys doing?" Doggo's bark interrupted Papyrus's thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

"HELLO, DOGGO! DOGRESSA! WE ARE DOING GREAT, HOW ABOUT THE BOTH OF YOU? HOW'S YOUR DAY GOING?" Papyrus replied, his voice booming with its usual joy. Seeing Doggo and Dogaressa brought a momentary respite from his concerns, their familiar faces a welcome sight.

"We're enjoying it," Dogaressa replied, her bushy tail wagging back and forth as she flashed them a toothy smile.

"THAT'S GOOD!" Papyrus hesitated for a moment, his voice softening ever so slightly as the nagging worry about his brother and their friend resurfaced. "BY CHANCE, HAVE YOU SEEN SANS OR [NAME] ANYWHERE TODAY?" he asked, his eyelights flickering with concern.

Doggo’s ears perked up, his expression growing serious. "Actually, we did. We saw the bigger Pup at Grillby's. She came in and talked to Sans, though she seemed upset, especially when Sans suddenly disappeared."

Papyrus felt his worry deepen, a frown creasing his normally cheerful face. "WHAT HAPPENED EXACTLY?" he asked, his concern evident in the tension in his voice and posture.

Dogaressa chimed in, "Well, they were sitting in the corner, talking quietly. It looked like a serious conversation. Then suddenly, Sans got up and vanished. [Name] looked really upset after that. We didn't want to intrude, but it seemed like something important."

Papyrus’s frown deepened, his shoulders tensing further. He hated when Sans did that, disappearing without a word, leaving others to wonder and worry.

"THAT DOESN'T SOUND GOOD. THANK YOU FOR LETTING US KNOW. WE'LL GO CHECK ON THEM." His gaze was steady, his determination clear. He had to find his brother and their friend, make sure they were okay.

"Good luck," Doggo barked out, striding past with his mate's arm around him.

"I hope everything's okay," Dogaressa added, her eyes reflecting genuine concern. Both monsters continued their walk, leaving Papyrus and Frisk to themselves once more. Papyrus glanced at Frisk, his eyelights dilating with worry.

"I HOPE SANS DIDN'T SAY SOMETHING TO UPSET [NAME]. HE CAN BE A BIT BLUNT SOMETIMES." His usually boisterous voice was now a quiet mutter, more directed to himself than to Frisk. 

He couldn’t help but worry about Sans’s tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, especially when emotions were running high. Frisk placed a reassuring hand on Papyrus’s arm, their touch gentle.

        *That may be true, but so is [Name]. They may have had a rough start, but they are closer now. I'm sure they will work through it.

Papyrus nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he processed Frisk's words. His usual confident demeanor began to return, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. 

"YOU'RE RIGHT, FRISK. THEY WILL WORK IT OUT. PERHAPS WE SHOULD HEAD BACK AND START MAKING DINNER FOR WHEN THEY DO!" They started walking again, stepping onto the cobblestone path.

As they walked, Papyrus straightened his posture, rolling his shoulders back to shake off the lingering worry. With a more determined stride, he began to lead the way, Frisk falling into step beside him. Papyrus's skeletal fingers drummed lightly against his thigh in a rhythmic pattern, a habitual motion that seemed to channel his nervous energy into something productive.

The conversation flowed more freely now, with Papyrus discussing his latest ideas for dinner recipes and Frisk occasionally chiming in. The snowy streets, with their cozy cottages and twinkling lights, seemed almost magical, and his worry began to fade. Suddenly, a scream ripped through the town, shattering the peace like a bullet hitting glass.

"HELP!" The desperate cry sent a chill down Papyrus's spine as he and Frisk paused, their eyes darting frantically until they landed on the source of the sound. 

A monster, panic etched deeply on their face, came sprinting toward them from about twenty feet away. The other townsfolk halted in their tracks, their movements stiffening as confusion and alarm spread among them like wildfire.

Papyrus immediately summoned a bone, his gloved fingers clenching around it with an emotion that bordered on desperation. He took two hurried steps toward the running monster when their screams were abruptly cut off. 

In less than a heartbeat, a blur of black, seemingly made of shadow, leaped from the woods. The shadowy figure collided with the running monster, its maw gaping wide as it enveloped the monster completely in darkness. 

The monstrous form seemed to consume the very light around it, and in the blink of an eye, the monster was gone, reduced to nothing but a faint puff of dust hanging in the air.

Papyrus froze mid-step, his hand still outstretched, fingers trembling. The sudden silence was deafening, the air thick as Papyrus's soul pounded in his ribcage. His usually bright, confident sockets widened with shock, the blue aura of the bone flickering as his concentration wavered. Frisk stood rooted to the spot, their breath caught in their throat, eyes wide with terror.

The townsfolk collectively held their breath, their faces pale and bodies rigid. A pregnant silence fell over Snowdin, thick and suffocating, as the creature stepped out from the cloud of settling dust. Its body was sleek and elongated, reminiscent of a canine but far more disturbing. It seemed to be made from a black, inky substance that composed its form shifted and flowed like living smoke. 

The creature's head was narrow and sharp, its eyes glowing with a piercing, cold white light that seemed to see straight through the soul. Its back was covered with sharp, smoke-like spines that quivered with each subtle movement, casting flickering shadows on the ground.

Its limbs were long and slender, ending in clawed paws that left trails of darkness wherever they touched and the tail, a wisp of shadowy tendrils, flicked back and forth with the calculated grace of a predator.

These unnerving eyes scanned the surroundings with an eerie intelligence, its gaze sweeping over the crowd, causing everyone to freeze in place. The creature's maw, filled with jagged, shadowy teeth, parted as it let out a low, menacing growl that reverberated through the air, a sound that seemed to chill the very marrow of the taller skeleton's bones.

Papyrus’s grip on his summoned bone tightened as Frisk clutched Papyrus’s arm, feeling their heart pounding against his ribcage. With a gulp, Papyrus positioned Frisk behind him, his voice firm despite the fear. 

"STAY BEHIND ME, HUMAN," he commanded as the creature took another step forward. For a moment, the creature only watched him, its eyes turning brighter as the breath in Papyrus's non-existent throat hitched. 

A monster screamed, running away and just like that, the thread of tension was broken and the creature leaped forward. Its jaws snapped inched from Papyrus's face and in a swift, fluid motion, he swung the bone in his hand, striking the creature and sending it skidding across the snow.

"FRISK, RUN!" The creature was back on its feet in an instant, the spines on its back rattling as it snarled and lunged again. Frisk stumbled backward, their heart pounding in their chest. They could see the raw determination in Papyrus's eyes as he summoned more bones, creating a wave toward it. At first, it dodged the initial attack, before Papyrus lifted his hand, and drove one of his summoned bones through the creature's abdomen.

The bone pierced through the inky, shifting substance of the creature, and for a moment, it seemed to hang suspended in mid-air, its mouth open in a silent scream of agony. The creature's glowing white eyes flickered, the light within them dimming as it writhed around the bone, its form convulsing with unnatural, jerky movements.

A sickly, black ichor oozed from the wound, dissipating into the air like smoke. The creature's shadowy body began to lose its shape, the once-solid form unraveling into wisps of darkness. The spines along its back quivered and then faded, becoming mere trails of shadowy mist.

Papyrus watched, his breath heavy and his eyelights widening in horror, as the creature's form continued to disintegrate. The glow in its eyes dimmed further, and the creature's growls turned into faint, echoing whispers. The dark tendrils that made up its limbs and body began to dissolve, the darkness lifting and being carried away by the wind.

Within moments, the creature was nothing more than a wisp of shadow, its form entirely dissipated into the air. The bone that had once impaled it now stood alone, hovering for a brief moment before falling to the ground with a soft clatter. Papyrus lowered his hand, his body trembling from not only exhaustion but fear. 

Just as he allowed himself a brief moment of relief, thinking they were safe, the air grew tense once more. Howls echoed around Snowdin, circling them all, as more of the shadowy creatures began to appear, their forms emerging from the woods like living nightmares. The townspeople's panic grew as monsters scrambled for safety, and as children were pulled into the arms of their parents. 

Papyrus's head snapped towards Frisk, studying their form for any signs of injuries. "FRISK, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" he asked, his voice a little strained as he summoned another bone, ready for the next attack. Frisk nodded, their eyes were wide with fear as they huddled behind him. Papyrus placed a reassuring hand on their shoulder, his grip firm but gentle.

"STAY CLOSE TO ME," he instructed, his voice usually devoid of warmth as he turned his gaze back to the advancing creatures. The first of the new wave leaped forward, their jaws snapping. With a swift motion, Papyrus swung his summoned bone, knocking the creature aside, but it was clear that he was already growing tired. His movements were not as quick, his strikes not as forceful.

More creatures surged forward, their forms a blur of dark, inky shadows. Papyrus fought valiantly, each bone he summoned striking true, but the sheer number of the creatures was overwhelming.

One monster managed to slip past his defenses, its claws swiping dangerously close to Frisk. With a burst of adrenaline, Papyrus swung his bone in a wide arc, striking the creature and sending it dissolving into the wind. But even as it faded, two more took its place.

Innocent monsters stumbled and fell in their haste to find safety, their faces etched with silent horror. Some monsters were not quick enough, their forms dissolving into dust as the shadowy creatures overwhelmed them. 

Papyrus's breath came in ragged gasps, his bones attacks slowly summoning slower and slower. His eyelights, now in pinpricks, darted to Frisk, who was clutching his arm, their soul practically screaming out in terror. 

"RUN, FRISK!" Papyrus shouted again, but the child stayed rooted to the spot, their gaze fixed on the advancing horde.

Suddenly, a familiar, commanding voice cut through the chaos. "ROYAL GUARD, TO ME!" Undyne's voice was fierce and unwavering, slicing through the panic like a blade. In an instant, she leaped into the thick of the battle, her spear a blur as they sliced through the horde. 

Her one yellow eye was narrowed in a glare, a smirk tugging at her lips as she impaled one of the shadow creatures. The beast writhed for a moment before dissolving into wisps of darkness, its essence dissipating into the cold snow.

Other members of the Royal Guard surged forward, following their captain's lead. They emerged from the woods with their weapons ready, their eyes burning as they leaped forward to protect the village. 

Among them was a familiar wolf monster, his eyes wild with protective fury as a creature jumped in front of an armless lizard kid. Doggo's jaws clamped down ruthlessly on the neck of a shadow creature, his teeth sinking deep as he shook the shadow violently, reducing it to nothingness.

"PROTECT THE INNOCENTS! DRIVE THESE THINGS BACK!" Undyne barked, as they formed a barrier around a group of monsters. Undyne's lifted her arms blue spears flying through the air, cutting down more of the creatures. 

At the sound of Undyne's call, Grillby emerged from his bar, opening the doors as monsters came running into the bar for refuge. He gently but firmly guided the monsters inside, helping a monster who tripped get back onto their feet. Once inside, Grillby positioned himself at the doorway as his flaming hands flared brighter. 

The flames that danced around his hands grew more intense, swirling and flickering as they formed a protective barrier at the entrance of the building. The monsters, now safely inside, huddled together, their eyes fixed on Grillby, their protector. 

Suddenly, a shadow creature materialized from the darkness, its dark form slipping through the cracks and creeping toward the doorway. Without hesitation, Grillby stepped forward, his face expressionless as he raised his hands, the flames around him roaring to life, leaping forward.

The shadow creature recoiled, its form flickering as it struggled against the searing heat. With outstretched hands, flames erupted from his fingertips, engulfing it in a brilliant blaze. The shadow writhed and twisted, its shape dissolving under the relentless assault of Grillby’s magic. 

In a matter of moments, the creature vanished, consumed entirely by the fiery inferno. As the flames receded, Grillby stood tall, his hands still glowing with residual heat.

Papyrus, though weary and battered, continued to fight. His tall, skeletal form was a blur of motion as he summoned bones with a flick of his wrist, striking at any shadow creature that dared approach. Sweat, an unusual orange hue, ran down his skull as he stumbled as each attack required more and more effort, his movements slowing, his attacks growing weaker. 

The battlefield was chaotic, the air thick with the sounds of combat and the strong smell of magic and sweat. Papyrus fought on, protecting Frisk from the relentless onslaught. He grunted in pain as a creature's claw grazed his arm, summoning another wave of bones to destroy it. 

"NYEH! STAY BACK, FIENDS!" Papyrus's voice echoed through the chaotic battlefield, strained yet commanding. His bone attacks had kept most of the shadowy creatures at bay, but one slipped through, lunging at Frisk. Acting on pure instinct, Papyrus pushed Frisk aside, taking the full force of the creature's attack. 

The impact knocked him to the ground, bones rattling as he struggled to regain his footing. With all his remaining strength, he swung his bone weapon, impaling the creature through its head. It writhed and flickered, dissolving into shadows that dispersed in the wind.

        *PAPYRUS!

Frisk's voice trembled with concern as they rushed to his side, their small hand reaching out to help him up. Papyrus gritted his teeth against the pain, pushing himself upright. His sockets darted around, scanning for any more threats. Despite his desire to keep fighting, he knew protecting Frisk was his priority.

"TO GRILLBY'S, NOW!" he urged grasping Frisk's hand tightly as he pulled them toward the sanctuary of Grillby's bar.  But just as they reached the doorway of Grillby's, a creature sprang from the shadows, its monstrous jaws gaping wide, poised to strike. Time seemed to slow as Papyrus's eyelights widened bracing himself for the attack as he pulled Frisk toward him.

He barely had time to react when a flash of brilliant blue light erupted from the battlefield. A wave of ice shot forward, freezing the creature in mid-air. Its grotesque form was locked in icy tendrils that shattered with a resounding crack. The creature disintegrated, its essence crumbling back into the earth, leaving nothing but a faint mist in its wake.

Papyrus and Frisk turned, and at that moment, they were hit with pure relief. A hand, outstretched, radiated a brilliant blue glow that matched the intensity of their friend's eyes.

As her hand lowers, her palm engulfs in a familiar glow, her soul practically screaming as her sword appears. Slowly her gaze falls to the dumbfounded skeleton and Frisk, a faint flicker of guilt flashing across her face.  

"I'm sorry, Papyrus. This is all my fault." Before he could say anything, she rushed off, running into battle. As he prepared to lead Frisk to safety, a familiar figure staggered toward them through the haze of smoke and snow. Sans, his normally lazy expression replaced with one of sheer exhaustion, moved with a heavy, uneven gait. 

His usually white skull was damp with sweat, and his once-bright eyelighte were dulled by fatigue. Each breath he took seemed labored, his ribs heaving as he struggled to stay upright.

"SANS!" Papyrus exclaimed, worry creasing his brow as his eyelights darted frantically over his brother, searching for any serious injuries. "WHAT'S WRONG?" He reached out instinctively, steadying his brother as Sans's hand fell heavily on his shoulder.

Sans managed a weak smile before breathing out, "too much... teleporting..." His legs gave way, and he collapsed, but Papyrus caught him just in time as Sans trembled in his hold. 

"SANS, YOU BONEHEAD," Papyrus muttered, gently cradling his brother in his arms. 

"i... i'm okay, Paps," Sans muttered, though his voice lacked its usual confidence. He tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it came out as a pained grimace. The sight of his normally carefree brother in such a state sent a shiver down Papyrus's spine. He had always looked up to Sans, admired his strength and resilience. Seeing him like this was almost too much to bear.

"NO, YOU'RE NOT," Papyrus said firmly, standing as he held his brother closer. "WE NEED TO GET YOU TO SAFETY. BOTH OF YOU." He glanced at Frisk, who nodded in agreement, leading the way as they shouldered their way into Grillby's.

As they settled inside, Papyrus couldn't help but think about [Name]. His worry for her safety gnawed at him. He hoped they were faring better, that they were safe amidst the chaos. The thought of losing anyone, especially someone as important as [Name], was unbearable. Papyrus held Sans a little tighter, silently praying for their safety and for [Name] to stay safe as well.

*          *          *          *          * 

As you ran away from Papyrus and Frisk, the acrid scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood filled the air, mingling with the earthy smell of the forest surrounding you. Your heart pounded in your chest, the echoes of battle and the screams of the wounded ringing in your ears.  Your breath came in ragged gasps, adrenaline driving you forward. 

Without even looking, you flicked your wrist, sending a wave of ice that skewered several creatures, their forms dissolving into mist. Nausea hit you like a punch, and you shook your head, the effects of Sans's teleportation making your vision swim and your stomach churn.

Through the dimness, a scream pierced the noise, drawing your attention. You turned, eyes narrowing as you spotted a bunny monster, her eyes wide with terror, as she desperately tried to escape the nightmare chasing her. The monster's paws scrambled against the ground, its breath coming in frantic pants as it narrowly dodged a swipe from the pursuing creature.

Your brows furrowed, and without hesitation, you sprang into action. Your movements were a blur, faster than the eye could follow as the world around you seemed to slow as you closed the distance. 

Your sword glinted in the dim light, and with a swift, precise strike, you drove the blade through the creature's skull. Immediately it went limp, the shadowy goop gurgling from the wound as the shadows slowly dissipated back into the wind.

The monster's nose twitched as she watched, her breath coming out in choked sobs, as her wide eyes shimmered with tears. Her fur was matted with sweat and dirt, her ears drooping with exhaustion and fear. You looked over your shoulder towards her, your gaze softening momentarily before hardening.

"Go," you said, your voice flat and devoid of emotion. The bunny monster hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded, her gratitude evident in her tear-filled eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief and fear. Without another word, she bolted away, her small form quickly disappearing into the shadows of the forest.

You barely had time to nod in acknowledgment before a deep rumbling snarl caught your attention. Another shadow creature, larger and more menacing, emerged from the darkness, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. It lunged at you, its claws outstretched and teeth bared.

Your muscles tense, and with a swift flick of your wrist, you conjured an ice shard that flew straight into the creature's chest. It let out a guttural roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into a pile of black shadow. You ran over its remains, barely noticing the squelch of disintegrating darkness under your foot. 

As you pressed on, the overwhelming stench of smoke and dust mingled with the smell of the forest, assaulting your senses. Everywhere you looked, there were piles of dust, the remains of monsters, monsters you have grown to know and love. You forced yourself to look away, slicing through another creature as the anger within you grew. 

Scanning the battlefield, your eyes locked onto Undyne, her movements precise but noticeably slowing as the fight wore on. Her muscles tensed and rippled with each motion, her yellow eye blazing with as she summoned a wave of spears, launching them with deadly accuracy.

A creature sprung out from behind, the spear in her hand twisted expertly in her grip, impaling a creature that attempted to sneak up behind her. Undyne's breaths were ragged, the blue magic around her spears flickering as she briefly stumbled. 

Determined to reach her, you dashed to her side, your sword slicing through the shadows with precise, fluid strikes. As you reached her, she glanced over, a weary but genuine smile spreading across her face.

"I was wondering when you'd show up, Punk." she panted, her voice tinged with relief and amusement despite her obvious exhaustion. Now that you were closer you could see the dents in her armor, and the obvious stains of red that dripped onto the snow below her. 

"Better late than never," you replied, a weary smirk tugging at your lips as you spun to face the enemy, positioning yourself back-to-back with Undyne. Together, you and Undyne became a whirlwind of magic and steel as each swing synchronized into a deadly dance. 

You leaped forward slashing the side of one of the creatures with a twist and using that momentum, you ended your movement with another stab just above the front leg, the blade coming through to the other side. 

A familiar scream pierced the air, cutting through the chaos like a knife. Your heart lurched as you turned to see Liz, the lizard monster, on the ground. She was struggling, her lack of arms making it impossible for her to get up. Her eyes were wide with fear as a horrible snarl echoed through the air, the shadow creature closing in on her. She tried to scoot backward, her clawed feet leaving desperate streaks in the snow.

Heart pounding, you raced towards her, your hand outstretched as your chest twisted with panic. But your magic didn't come. Instead, a sudden wave of nausea and weakness washed over you, your knees buckling. Sans's teleportation, coupled with your overuse of magic, was taking its toll. 

You scrambled back up, forcing your magic to obey your command. Slowly, the snow below you lifted, rushing towards the shadow creature. In less than a second, it hardened into ice, but your attack didn't come fast enough.

An audible crunch filled your ears as you ran, the world around you slowing as the ice finally collided with the shadow, slamming it aside just as it disappeared into mist. You slid to Liz's side, your hands hovering over the monster as your stomach dropped, your blood turning cold. Just from the dust already lifting into the air, you knew she wasn't going to make it.

Her eyes met yours, a rueful smile on her face as she gasped for air. You opened your mouth to say something, to say anything, but a small figure rushing to her side stopped you, and you stiffened.

"LIZ! No, no, no, stay with me, sis! Get up!" The smaller monster, wearing a striped sweater, cried out, his voice breaking as he nudged the side of her head. Tears streamed down his face, his eyes wide with desperation.

Liz didn't make any attempt to get up, instead slowly turning her head to her brother, her voice nothing but a faint whisper as more and more dust lifted from her.

"Listen to me. I need you to stay with Mom... protect her... I love you." Her voice sputtered, and with those final words, she turned to dust, leaving only a pile in front of you. The boy's sobs grew louder, each one a dagger to your heart. Your mind went blank, your gaze stuck on the gray ash as it gently blew away in a gust of wind.

A howl broke your attention, piercing through the haze of battle. You turned, your heart seizing at the sight of a small, striped-sweater-clad monster sobbing beside the pile of dust that had once been his sister, Liz. You moved on instinct, snatching the child into your arms. He clung to you, his small body trembling with grief, his cries a haunting echo of the pain in your own heart.

Your chest felt empty, a hollow ache spreading through you. The weight of your failure bore down on you, crushing your spirit. But you couldn't afford to break. Not now. You needed to end this before anyone else you cared about died. 

Your mind raced, battling the onslaught of emotions threatening to overwhelm you. Guilt, anger, sorrow, they all warred within you, threatening to drag you down.

You barely processed your actions as you struck down another creature, your sword moving with a mind of its own. The cold seeped into your bones, and your body shivered uncontrollably, your hands turning a deeper purple from the strain of your magic. 

Placing the child next to another monster, you forced yourself to stand, your vision blurring with unshed tears. Your soul screamed in of rage and despair, your magic flaring uncontrollably as your emotions surged, the ground beneath you trembling in response. You raised both your hands, the snow around you rushing upward in a violent torrent.

Undyne and the other monsters scrambled back as massive spikes of ice erupted from the ground, impaling the shadow creatures in a breathtaking display of power. The creatures' growls were abruptly cut off, their white eyes dimming and turning black as their forms disintegrated into black wisps. Faint whispers followed them, fading into the shadows from whence they came.

You stood there, panting heavily, your vision swimming. The battlefield was eerily silent, the once-deafening cacophony of battle now reduced to a quiet hum. You felt a strange emptiness, the adrenaline that had fueled you draining away, leaving you hollow and spent. 

The child behind you sobbed quietly, his knees in the snow as his gaze locked on the spot where his sister had turned to dust.

Your heart ached for him, for the pain he was enduring, and for your own inability to save her. You knelt beside him, placing a trembling hand on his shoulder, offering what little comfort you could.

"I'm so sorry," you whispered, your voice breaking. The boy didn't respond, his sobs the only sound in the stillness. You felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes, but you blinked them back, forcing yourself to stay strong for him. Cries of mourning filled the air as monsters slowly emerged from their hiding spots, some of them kneeling next to piles of dust. You watched, fists clenched as your jaw tightened.

This is all my fault. 

Suddenly, the clearing was pierced by the slow, mocking applause that resonated around you. Every muscle in your body tensed instinctively as you swiftly summoned your sword, spinning around to confront the source of the disturbance. There he stood, a man with dark, shadow-like hair and, his eyes a deep brown that seemed almost black, much like the tendrils of darkness that seemed to writhe around his form. This was the Shadowbringer, the man you despised more than any other. His smirk, as he observed you, only fueled your anger.

"Well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look at the hero in action."

Your scowl deepened as you instinctively moved to shield the young monster behind you, growling low in your throat. Without a moment's hesitation, you lunged towards him, your movements fueled by a surge of raw magic and anger. His response was effortless; he drew his sword with a bored expression, meeting your attack with a clash of metal that echoed through the clearing.

"Must we do this dance again? We both know how it ends," he remarked casually, rolling his eyes as the swords scraped against each other.

"Shut up, you bastard!" you spat, channeling your magical strength to force his blade downward, seizing the opportunity to hurl him into a nearby stand. The wooden structure splintered under the impact, but to your frustration, he recovered swiftly, brushing debris from his shoulders as though it were mere dust.

"Really? How, barbaric," he commented, seemingly unbothered. Meanwhile, behind you, the others approached cautiously, with Undyne in the lead. Her eyes blazed with an intense unyielding hatred, and every muscle in her body coiled as she emitted a low growl, only stopping beside you. 

"I'm going to end you, human," she growled, her eyes fixed on her target. But before she could strike, you subtly shook your head, and she surprisingly stopped with only a huff. Papyrus followed close behind, his hands clenched at his sides, as he summoned a bone, his sockets flickering between you and Shadowbringer.

Sans, was right beside his brother, and although he still looked exhausted, his right socket glowed brighter than the other, his smile strained. To your horror, Frisk was behind them all, their face set in a glare. The tension crackled in the air as the Shadowbringer lazily surveyed the group, amusement twinkling in his dark eyes.

"Calm down, everyone. I just want to chat," his voice oozed with false sincerity, the subtle threat beneath sending a shiver down your spine. His expression hardened, head tilting in an unsettling manner that set your nerves on edge. Shadows coiled and contorted around him, as if alive, wrapping around his arm with an eerie precision.

There was a faint sound, like bone snapping into place, and two more shadowy figures materialized beside him, poised for action. The air thickened, suffocating you in its intensity as the scent of his magic-filled your senses. Undyne tightened her grip on her weapon, her pupil sharpening into a pinprick. 

"We can take him," Undyne growled, her voice low and dangerous. "He needs to pay." The Shadowbringer chuckled softly, kicking a pile of dust in front of him, and Undyne stiffened, her eye twitching as he watched the gray ash fall back to the snow. 

"Oh, Undyne, captain of the royal guard, always eager for a fight. But we both know if you continue to fight more monsters will die. And you and your little gaggle of friends," he continued, eyes flickering over the assembled group, "won't be able to stop me."

The realization hit you like a physical blow, he had been watching, biding his time. How hadn't I sensed his presence sooner? I should’ve been prepared. I should've seen this coming. 

Reluctantly, you raised a hand, a silent signal to your friends to hold back. The last thing you needed now was more unnecessary bloodshed.

They hesitated, their gazes flickering between you and the Shadowbringer, uncertainty etched on their faces. Undyne's resolve wavered for a moment, torn between her desire for justice and the grim reality of the Shadowbringer's words as her spear trembled in her grasp. 

"What do you want?" you demanded. The Shadowbringer hummed thoughtfully, his movements graceful yet unnerving as he gestured around him.

"I want out of this wretched hole, out of this dismal universe you've trapped me in," he replied, his pacing accompanied by the shadows that trailed obediently at his heels. "In my time here, I've discovered a way to the surface, but it requires a human soul." His gaze fell upon Frisk, who stood quietly behind you. Instantly, you stepped forward, placing yourself protectively between them and the Shadowbringer.

"Don't even think about it," you growled lowly. 

He waved you off dismissively, a smirk playing on his lips. "Relax, I have no intention of harming them. At least, not yet. I was going to take their soul. As much as I enjoy our little battles, they're becoming rather inconvenient. But, Unfortunately for me, the child's unique 'abilities' render them untouchable." Frisk and Sans stiffened at his words, exchanging a worried glance, while your own eyes widened in realization.

He knows... He knows about the resets. He paused, frustration flickering in his dark eyes.

"I've tried everything to destroy the barrier myself. I've wielded every spell at my disposal, but the barrier remains stubbornly intact, mocking my efforts at every turn."

The bitterness crept into the Shadowbringer's voice, chilling the air around you. "I even attempted to harness the energy of other monsters, but their souls proved useless. No matter what I did, the barrier refused to break."

"Perhaps your own soul is too broken, too tainted to be of use," you retorted. He chuckled, seemingly unaffected by the insult.

"Indeed," he acknowledged, "Which brings us to my current predicament." His gaze locked onto yours with a predatory gleam. "That's where you come in, [Name]. Your soul possesses the strength and purity necessary for me to finally break free. So, what will it be? Will you surrender it willingly, or will you condemn more creatures to suffer because of your selfishness?"

Before you could answer your friends moved closer, forming a protective circle around you. Undyne stepped forward, her voice a low snarl. "There's no way that's happening, you scum." Sans, usually unbothered, now radiated a chilling aura of fury, the lights in his sockets disappearing completely.

"not a chance," he added, his voice like ice. Papyrus, though visibly nervous, stood steadfast beside you, nodding in agreement. The male laughed, the sound ugly as his hands clenched behind his back. 

"Such loyalty. Misguided, of course," he taunted, "Do they know that you're the reason I'm here? It's because of you that all these innocent monsters lie dead." The accusation struck you like a physical blow, stirring a whirlwind of guilt and anger within your chest. Undyne's brow furrowed, her grip loosening slightly as she looked down at you. 

"What's he talking about?" Before you could respond, murmurs began to ripple through the gathered monsters. The soft whispers grew louder, swelling into a chorus of uncertainty and fear. Their eyes darted back and forth between you and the Shadowbringer, suspicion taking root. It was your fault they were here, facing this terror, and the realization gnawed at your conscience. Ignoring the ache in your chest, you took a deep breath, forcing the rising tide of emotion back down. Gathering your thoughts, you stepped forward.

 "And what do you plan to do once you're free? Bring death and destruction? I'd sooner let my soul go to waste than allow you to roam free." Shadowbringer regarded you thoughtfully, his expression unusually solemn.

"We both know my fight lies with humans. If you give me your soul, not only will the monsters survive, but they will flourish on the surface." Your breath hitched, your fists clenching as you scoffed. 

"Why should I trust you?" He shifted, a hint of sincerity creeping into his voice.

"I give you my word. The monsters will not suffer at my hand if you agree." His words struck a chord within you, igniting a flicker of doubt. Could you truly defeat him without more lives being lost? The thought of innocent monsters dying in a fight that wasn't theirs gnawed at your soul and as much as you wanted to believe in your own strength, you weren't sure if you could take that chance. 

Sans stepped forward, his expression serious as he grabbed your shoulder, pulling you from your thoughts. "ya can't seriously be considering this, [Name]," he interjected. You didn't respond immediately, but something in your eyes must have betrayed your internal struggle. Sans stiffened, his eye sockets widening in shock, realization dawning on him.

The Shadowbringer hummed, his smile widening with satisfaction as he observed the exchange. "Very well," he continued. "Take your time to consider my offer. You have twenty-four hours. By then, I will return, with reinforcements far greater than those you see now." His words hung heavy in the air, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

Shaking off Sans's hand, you tightened your grip on your sword, your eyes flickering over the gathered monsters before falling back to the Shadowbringer. 

"And if I refuse?" you challenged. A sharp smile cut across Shadowbringer's face, a manic glint dancing in his eyes.

"Then I will ensure your demise, along with everyone else in this dismal realm. One way or another, I will obtain that soul." With a flick of his hand, his shadow creatures dispersed into wisps of darkness, and he melted effortlessly into his own shadow, vanishing from sight. 

You stood there for a moment, your mind racing as exhaustion washed over you. It was then you looked down at your hands. They were almost grey, the color mingling with a bright red that stung your palms. The pain only managed to anchor you as you stuffed your hands in your armpits, trying to regain warmth.

The cold seemed to seep into your bones, making your body tremble slightly. You fought to maintain your composure, your jaw clenching. Papyrus gently approached, his usually bright eyelights clouded with concern. He hesitated, his skeletal frame tensed as if bracing for your response.

"ARE YOU OKAY?" he asked softly. His voice, usually so full of cheer, was now somber. You didn't answer immediately, instead studying him. He seemed tired, his usual energetic self all but gone. His armor was dented and dirty, and though he didn't seem too injured, his exhaustion was clear to see. 

"Are you okay?" you finally asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Papyrus nodded "I'M FINE," Undyne, her patience wearing thin, interrupted with a sharpness that cut through the tension like a knife. Her movements were swift and purposeful as she strode up to you, and with a fierce glare, she poked a finger at your chest, the impact pushing you back a step.

"What happened? Who was that?" she demanded, her voice a sharp contrast to Papyrus's gentle question. The other monsters around you echoed her questions, their voices a chorus of confusion and fear. Their eyes bore into you, filled with distrust and unease, as if you were a stranger among them. 

You opened your mouth to respond, but before you could muster any words, the boy monster from earlier approached. Tears streamed down his face, anger, and grief across his face. He stopped in front of you, his chest heaving with emotion.

"You... You're the reason my sister is gone!" he shouted, his voice cracking with pain. His accusation struck you like a dagger to the heart, and you tried to say something, anything, to ease his pain. But your voice faltered, the weight of his words pressing down on you like a suffocating blanket.

As the boy turned and ran off, a wave of guilt crashed over you, threatening to drown you. You stood there, feeling the immense weight of guilt settle over you, your shoulders slumping as the reality of the situation sank in. The other monsters watched you with a mixture of suspicion and sorrow, so much so you could almost feel their fear. Your heart ached, and though you tried to maintain a brave facade, inside, you were crumbling. Frisk stepped forward, grabbing your hand.

        *What are you going to do?  

You didn't answer, and as you watched those who grieved, memories from that past flashed across your mind. All of this happened because of you, you saved your people, but you condemned another to suffer for the mistakes you made. Undyne seemed to take notice of your silence, her eye softening slightly as she turned to the monsters.

"Everyone, prepare and hide. Bring those who are injured to Grillby's and recover as best you can. We'll need all the strength we can muster," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

She turned to you and the others, her gaze intense. "I'll talk to the other members of the Royal Guard. We will discuss this later." With that, she walked over to the Royal Guard members, directing them to those in need of help.

You jolted from your thoughts, your shoulders tightening. You could end this, and at the same time, you could make the monsters free. Your face hardened as you started to walk away, your fists clenched at your sides. Sans and Papyrus shared a worried look as Frisk, their eyes wide with concern, joined them, their small hands gripping the hem of their sweater nervously.

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Papyrus asked nervously, his usually confident voice now tinged with anxiety. He took a tentative step towards you, his skeletal frame slightly hunched as if bracing for bad news.

"I'm going to fix everything," you replied, your voice hard as you tried to keep your emotions in check. Your fists clenched tighter, your knuckles turning white. Sans stepped in front of you, his usually relaxed posture now tense, his hands shoved into his pockets. His eyelights were pinpricks, and he stared at you his sockets swirling in anger and what you recognized to be fear. 

"are you going to give him your soul?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. At first, you didn't answer, trying to side-step him, but he easily moved in front of you, his sockets narrowing with suspicion and desperation.

"answer me," he insisted, his voice growing harsher. His usual lazy demeanor was gone, replaced by a protective fierceness that you had rarely seen. Frisk's eyes filled with tears as they watched the exchange, their small body trembling. They reached out a hand as if to touch you but hesitated, something making them pause.

Papyrus's expression mirrored Frisk's, his concern for you clear as he wrung his gloved hands together. He stepped closer, his voice softer, almost pleading. "PLEASE, DON'T DO THIS. WE CAN FIND ANOTHER WAY." You stopped, crossing your arms as Papyrus and Frisk joined the older skeletons side. 

The air was thick and every muscle in your body felt tight.  "I promised I wouldn't hurt anyone in the Underground, but because of me, monsters have been killed." you confessed, your voice wavering with guilt. The weight of your words seemed to hang in the air, and you could feel the heavy silence that followed.

Papyrus seemed appalled, his expression dimming as he shook his head vehemently. " IT ISN'T YOUR FAULT." he insisted, his eye sockets wide with earnestness, as the corners of his mouth pulled down in a worried frown.

You shook your head, your voice breaking as the emotions you had been holding back threatened to spill over. "It is my fault. I got you all into this mess, and I'll get you out." Your arms tightened around your torso as if you were trying to hold yourself together. You tried to lighten the mood, forcing a weak smile that didn't reach your eyes.

"I did promise Sans I'd get him to the surface," you said, your attempt at humor falling flat, as Sans only seemed to stiffen even more, his eyelights so tiny you could barely see them.

"you can't sacrifice yourself like that so easily," he snapped, his hands balling into fists at his sides. His frown was tight, his fists clenched at his sides. 

"Why not?" you snapped back.

"because I care about you!" Sans shouted, his frustration boiling over. His shoulders were hunched, and his usually half-lidded eyes were wide as his chest heaved. There was a moment of stunned silence, his confession draining every ounce of anger from your body. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his skull. 

 "we all care about you. like it or not, we aren't going to sit back and watch you kill yourself." His voice wavered, softer, yet still as intense as before. Frisk, standing beside Papyrus, looked up at you with tears brimming in their eyes. Their small body trembled, and they took a hesitant step forward, reaching out a hand towards you.

        *We need you. 

They said quietly, their voice filled with heartbreaking sincerity. Their shoulders were slumped, and their usually bright eyes were clouded with fear. Papyrus nodded vigorously, stepping closer as well. He was hunched down, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides as he struggled to find the right words.

"PLEASE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. WE'RE A TEAM, REMEMBER?" Papyrus's voice cracked slightly, the raw emotion in his words striking a chord deep within you. Touched by their words, your voice softened, the resolve inside you wavering.

"I care about all of you too, which is why I can't just watch you die." Sans and Papyrus shared a look, a silent conversation passing between them. Before you could react, Papyrus moved with surprising speed and strength, picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder. The sudden shift made the world tilt around you, and you gasped in surprise, your breath catching in your throat.

"Hey! Put me down!" you protested. You struggled against his firm grip, your fists pounding weakly against his back. But despite your efforts, he didn't budge, if anything his grip became tighter. 

Papyrus interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO FIGHT FOR YOURSELF, WE WILL HAVE TO DO IT FOR YOU." His usually cheerful voice had an edge of seriousness that was hard to argue with, and you stopped, letting out a sigh of defeat.

As he carried you, you caught glimpses of Sans walking beside him. Sans's usually relaxed posture was tense, his hands shoved deep into his pockets as he kept pace. His sockets were narrowed, the light within them flickering with a mix of anger and concern. Occasionally he glanced at you, his expression a storm of emotions.

"we ain't lettin' you go that easy," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else, As Papyrus carried you to his house, your mind raced. Memories flashed before your eyes of your time in the Underground, moments of laughter, of shared struggles, of silent understandings. The faces of the monsters you had met, their hopes and dreams, as their lives intertwined more and more with yours as time passed.

When you finally reached Papyrus's home, he set you down gently on the couch. His hands lingered on your shoulders for a moment, and when he was sure you weren't going to run, he let you go.

"YOU NEED TO REST FRIEND," he said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. Sans leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyesockets narrowed as he watched you, his usually lazy smile returning. Frisk sat beside you, their small hand reaching out to hold yours. Their touch was warm against you, and unconsciously you pulled them closer, and they smiled, leaning against your side.  

        *We'll find a way to defeat him, Sis. Together.

Looking at your friends, you felt a surge of emotion. You didn't want anyone hurt, least of all the people who had become like family to you. But as you met their eyes, saw the fierce protectiveness in Sans's gaze, the unwavering determination in Papyrus's stance, and the hopeful sincerity in Frisk's eyes, you realized you couldn't leave it all behind.

With a deep breath, you nodded, "Alright," you said softly, your voice steady. "I won't give in. We'll do this together."  

Chapter Text

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the deserted training grounds. The cool breeze softly rustled the leaves, the only sound accompanying her as she walked alone. Her foot nudged a small rock, and she lazily watched it skitter across the ground, stopping near a cluster of trees.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she stood alone in the training sandpit, her thoughts drifting to her friend. The demands of his role, the chosen one, the hero, seemed to swallow him whole, leaving little room for anything else. She understood, or at least tried to. He was destined for great things, but that knowledge didn’t make her feel any better. She paused, staring at the rock she had kicked.

Why does it have to be like this? She folded her arms, feeling a sharp disappointment growing in her chest. She understood the importance of training, especially with the threats looming over them. But that understanding did little to ease the loneliness. The nights felt colder without Caz, and the days seemed to drag on endlessly.

What if he’s changed? The thought was like a splinter in her mind, sharp and unwelcome. She shook her head, trying to push it away. No, he’s still the same Caz. He has to be.

Suddenly, a faint crash broke the silence, and she froze. Her ears perked up, straining to catch the sound over the pounding of her heart. It was faint, almost indistinguishable from the natural sounds of the night, but it was there. A soft, rhythmic hum followed by sharp bursts of light cut through the darkness and she stiffened, the hairs on her arms rising as she cautiously approached the noise. Her footsteps were light, deliberate, as she moved closer, the sound growing clearer with each step.

Who would be up this late? As she neared the source, a distinct stench of magic filled the air, her hand twitching in response. She pushed past a bush, her eyes scanning the darkened training grounds for any sign of movement. Her body tensed, ready to defend herself if necessary.

She rounded the corner, and there he was, in the midst of an intense training session. His chest heaved, his skin glistening with sweat. His eyes glowed a brilliant white, making the dark circles beneath them seem even darker. She watched as he unleashed a beam of light, obliterating a tree into a shower of splinters, leaving only a smoking stump behind. His power was impressive, but what struck her most was how different he looked.

He was stronger, his muscles more defined. However, his hair was longer and unkempt, a clear sign he hadn’t taken time to care for himself. But his eyes had seemed to change the most... they were dull, clouded with exhaustion and a hint of despair. She could see it, even in the dim light. He was pushing himself too hard, teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Gathering her courage, she stepped forward, emerging from the underbrush.

“I didn't think I'd find you out here.” she called, her voice cutting through the night. Caz froze, the glow in his eyes dimming as he turned towards her. For a moment, irritation flashed across his face, his jaw clenched. But as recognition set in, his expression softened, though only slightly. 

"What are you doing out so late?” he asked, tilting his head, the smile he offered was strained, not quite reaching his eyes.

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she approached. “I could ask you the same thing. What’s with the late-night training?” Her eyes flicked over him, noting the sweat-soaked clothes, and the slight tremor in his hands. Up close, he looked even worse, the pungent smell of dirt and sweat filling her nostrils.

He shrugged. “Just training,” he replied, though his voice lacked conviction as he looked away, avoiding her gaze, his shoulders tense.

Her brow furrowed with concern. “I’ve never seen you train this hard. What’s going on?” He shifted uncomfortably, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. His arms dropped to his sides, fists clenching and unclenching as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.

“Why else would I be training? It’s my ‘duty to get stronger,’” he said, a bitter edge to his voice. His foot kicked at a stray stick, sending it skidding across the ground.

She frowned, recognizing the phrase all too easily. “Blackthorn,” she said. She watched as he stiffened, his face hardening at the reminder of his father. He didn’t respond, the silence stretching between them. She shifted, trying to get closer to him as her arm raised, toward his shoulder. “You know, you don’t have to listen to him-”

He cut her off with a sharp look, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and something deeper. “You know better than anyone that I do,” he snapped, the words coming out more harshly than he intended. She flinched at the coldness in his tone, and stepped back, her arm lowering. His expression softened slightly, regret flickering in his eyes, but he quickly masked it, looking away again.

It was like a wall had slammed down between them, and she felt her heart sink. She wanted to reach out, to tell him he didn’t have to bear this burden alone. But she stayed silent as the darkness around them seemed to close in, the air between them thick and uncomfortable.

“Caz...” she began, but he shook his head, cutting her off.

“I’m fine,” he said curtly. His eyes briefly met hers, the hardness softening for a fleeting moment, as if he wanted to say more, to explain. But then the mask came down again, and he turned away. “Goodnight [Name].”

Without another word, he walked away, his footsteps fading into the shadows. She stood there, watching his retreating figure, a deep, aching sadness swirling in her chest. The realization that they had drifted so far apart hit her like a punch to the gut. This was Caz, her best friend, and yet it felt like she barely knew him anymore. He was caught in a storm of expectations and pressures, destroying himself in the process, and she felt powerless to help him.

As the night grew colder, she wrapped her arms around herself, the chill seeping into her bones. She wished she could reach him, break through the walls he had built around himself, but she was left standing alone in the moonlit training grounds, her thoughts heavy with worry for the friend who seemed to be slipping further and further away.

*          *          *          *          * 

The water fell over your hands, cool and relentless as it washed away the stubborn traces of dust and blood clinging to your fingers. You watched the swirling red water as it went down the drain, but the sensation of the water against your skin felt distant, almost numb.

Papyrus had urged you to take a break, to rest and recover, but you couldn't. How could you possibly rest when every time you closed your eyes, Liz's weak smile flashed in your mind, so vivid and alive, only to be cruelly replaced by the cries of her brother?

With a reluctant twist of the faucet, you turned off the water, watching as the last remnants of the battle came together in a murky spiral before disappearing down the drain. You stood there for a moment, trying to convince yourself that there was nothing more you could've done.

You repeated the words in your mind, hoping they might offer some hint of comfort. But they rang hollow, echoing back at you with an emptiness that left you feeling more lost than before. Your jaw clenched involuntarily as the memory of the fight played over in your head like a broken record, each mistake gnawing at you.

If only I hadn't stumbled... The thought lingered, regret taking root in your chest that only seemed to grow bigger as the seconds went by. If only I hadn't forced Sans to teleport. The frustration bubbled up, threatening to overwhelm you. Maybe if you hadn't teleported Sans could've fought, maybe he even could've saved Liz when you couldn't. 

You mindlessly reached for a towel, wiping your hands. I can fix this, you told yourself. We can defeat him. The voice was small, almost drowned out by the weight of everything else, but it was there, a flicker of hope, barely a spark yet persistent. It was the part of you that refused to give up, that clung to the belief that there was still a chance to make things right, to keep fighting, to persist.

But a darker voice, one that had lingered in the shadows of your mind for far too long, mocked your feeble attempt at optimism. You're weak. You're nothing. The words began as a harsh whisper, gradually growing louder, more insistent, until it felt like a relentless chant, pushing the faint glimmer of hope deeper into the recesses of your mind. You can't win. You couldn't even beat him with an army. What makes you think it would be different now? 

You shook your head, desperately trying to rid yourself of the intrusive thoughts, but your mind only scoffed at the attempt. You should have done more. You could have done more. The accusations echoed inside you, growing louder with each passing second until they drowned out everything else.

You stood there, frozen in place, trapped in the suffocating grip of your own mind, oblivious to the world around you. The turmoil was all-consuming, making it impossible to notice the quiet footsteps that stopped behind you. It wasn't until a gentle, familiar voice rang out in your very soul, that you jolted back to reality, your heart skipping a beat.

        *[Name]?

Frisk stood beside you, their expression unreadable as they gently tugged at the sleeve of your shirt. For a moment, you could only stare at Frisk, the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside you making it difficult to focus. You tried to shake off the cloud of despair that hung over you, forcing a smile to your lips that felt more like a grimace. It was a poor attempt, and you knew it, but it was all you could manage as you fought to keep the darkness at bay, if only for a little while longer.

"Do you need something, kid?" you asked softly, trying your best to keep your voice steady. Frisk's eyes bore into yours, so full of something you couldn't quite name, and for a brief moment, you thought they weren't going to respond at all. The silence stretched, heavy and expectant, until finally, their hands moved.

        *It's not your fault.

The statement caught you off guard, leaving you blinking in surprise. You hadn't expected those words, hadn't prepared yourself for the way they would hit you.

"I know," you replied automatically, the words slipping out before you had time to really process them. But even as you spoke, you knew they felt empty, hollow. Frisk didn't look away, and it was clear from the expression on their face that they weren't convinced. They continued to stare at you with that familiar neutral look, the one that somehow conveyed so much without giving anything away.

        *It's not your fault.

They repeated it, their voice just as steady and sure as before, but this time there was a weight to their words that made them impossible to ignore. It was as if they were determined to make you believe them, and for just a moment, you did. 

However, the relief was short-lived, fading as quickly as it had come. The crushing weight of everything you had been through came crashing back down, heavy and suffocating, pressing down on your chest until it was hard to breathe. Your grip tightened on the edge of the sink, fingers digging into the cool metal until your knuckles turned white. 

How could I possibly fix this? Then, as you stole another glance at Frisk, a sudden thought surfaced, a desperate idea that maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of this nightmare. Your eyes widened slightly, your breath catching in your throat as the realization hit you.

Before you could stop yourself, the words tumbled out. "Why haven’t you reset?" Frisk’s eyes, usually so composed and calm, widened in shock, the emotion rippling across their face in a way you hadn’t seen before. You turned to face them fully, your expression eerily blank. 

"You can fix everything," you pressed on, trying to keep your voice from trembling. "You could go back, back to before the Shadowbringer attacked. Before Liz-" The name caught in your throat, choking off the words as a surge of grief welled up inside you. You shook your head, trying to push past it. "You could make it so none of this ever happened."

Frisk’s silence hung heavy in the air and every fiber of your being was desperately clinging to the hope that everything could be undone, that the mistakes, the losses, all the pain could somehow be erased as if it had never happened.

But as you watched, Frisk’s expression began to change. It was subtle but unmistakable, an emotion you recognized all too well: shame. They took a small step back, their shoulders slumping. Your brow furrowed in confusion and concern, Frisk’s silence gnawing at you, making the fragile hope in your chest start to waver. You opened your mouth to speak again, to push them for an answer, when a familiar voice interrupted stopping you in your tracks.

"they can’t." You abruptly turned to see Sans standing in the doorway, his expression somber. Confusion and disbelief washed over you as your eyes flicked back to Frisk.

"You can't reset?" you asked slowly. Frisk shook their head, their expression pained as they looked down, as if unable to look at you. 

        *I tried. 

They finally admitted. You frowned, "What do you mean you tried?" Frisk took a deep breath, their hands fiddling nervously with the hem of their sweater.

        *When I reset. They began. I usually see these... save points. It’s like checkpoints in a game. I can choose to go back to any of them. They paused, glancing at you briefly before looking away again. But after the battle, when I tried to reset back to my latest save point... something went wrong. When I tried to go back, it was like the save point glitched. Instead of returning to the past, I was pulled back to the present.

The hope that had briefly flared within you flickered out, leaving a cold emptiness in its wake. You had been holding onto that hope so tightly, and now it felt like it had slipped through your fingers, leaving you with nothing. 

“Have you ever had problems resetting before?" you asked, clinging to the possibility that this was just a temporary setback, something that could be fixed. Frisk shook their head, frustration clear on their face as they avoided your stare.

        *No, it’s always worked before.

They glanced down, biting their lip as if the admission hurt.

        *This is the first time something like this has happened.

"How is that even possible?" you muttered, more to yourself than to anyone else. "Why now? Why this time?"

"i may have an idea," Sans spoke. You turned toward him, and he stiffened. He cleared his non-existent throat, his hands in his pockets. "do ya know about dimensional instability?"

 "No... What is it?"

"it's a theory that when beings from another universe enter a different one, they bring along different physical laws, energies, and realities," Sans began, "these differences can cause disruptions or instabilities in the fabric of the local universe. think of it like trying to mix oil and water, they just don’t blend well. when those forces clash, it can result in all kinds of weird stuff happening, like reality getting glitchy, time acting funny, or even the universal laws themselves going haywire."

You frowned, starting to see where he was going with this. "So, you're saying that my presence, and the Shadowbringer's, could be causing these glitches?" you asked. The idea felt overwhelming, and a knot of guilt began to form in your stomach, twisting tighter with each passing second. 

Sans nodded, his expression turning grim, confirming your fears. "exactly. you both come from a different universe with your own set of rules, and those rules don’t necessarily match up with the rules of this universe. that mismatch could be causing all sorts of problems, including messing with the kid’s ability to manipulate the timeline." Frisk’s eyes darted between you and Sans, a mixture of relief briefly flickering across their face before their mask slid back on.

        *Does that mean there’s nothing wrong with me?

Sans nodded, a grin spreading across his skull as he looked at Frisk. "there’s nothing wrong with ya, kiddo," he reassured them, his tone lightening as he ruffled their hair with a playful chuckle. Your heart ached as you thought about how harsh you’d been, blaming them for things that were out of their control. 

What is wrong with me? You reached out and gently placed your hand on Frisk’s shoulder, feeling their trembling form beneath your touch.

"It's not your fault. You tried," you murmured. They stiffened for a moment before slowly leaning into your touch, their shoulders untensing with a sigh.

Besides it’s my fault you can’t fix everything in the first place. The realization was sharp and you found yourself glancing away, trying to hide the lump forming in your throat. The weight of that guilt pressed down on you, making it hard to breathe, and for a moment, you felt like you were drowning in it. Sans, always observant, seemed to catch a flicker of something in your expression. His sockets narrowed slightly as if he was about to ask you what was wrong, But you quickly spoke, cutting him off before he could get the words out.

"Frisk’s abilities worked with Undyne when I was here," you said, your voice coming out a bit sharper than you intended. "So why did it work then and not now?" Sans shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck casually, but there was a thoughtful look in his sockets.

"it could be that your presence here isn’t as disruptive as the Shadowbringer’s appearance," he speculated, his tone uncertain. "Or maybe the instability gets worse with time, or with certain events. It’s hard to say for sure. this is all just a theory, after all. there’s no definitive science behind it." His voice trailed off, and you could see him getting lost in his thoughts, his eyelights dimming slightly as he brought a hand to his chin.

You inhaled deeply, trying to steady the storm of thoughts swirling in your mind. "Alright," you finally said, exhaling slowly as you forced yourself to focus on the present, on what needed to be done. "If we can’t go back, then we have no choice but to find a way to stop him before he attacks again."

Just as you finished speaking, a sharp knock echoed through the kitchen startling you. Quickly you left the kitchen, vaguely aware of Sans and Frisk following you. Papyrus was holding the door open, and there was Undyne. She looked a bit tired, her usual fire in her eye seemingly clouded. 

Her gaze met yours, and for a moment, she paused in the doorway, her shoulders tensing slightly as if bracing for something. The sight of Undyne, especially after the chaos in Snowdin, sent a fresh wave of anxiety through your chest. You swallowed hard, feeling the knot of worry tightening in your stomach. You tried to shove the feeling aside, but it clung stubbornly, prickling at the edges of your mind. You hesitated, your eyes meeting with Undyne’s, and for a tense moment, neither of you moved.

"Are we going to go inside?" A soft voice asked. Your brow furrowed as you and Undyne snapped out of your staring contest. The fish monster's head turned behind her, her eye softening as she stepped aside, revealing the figure standing beside her. You hadn’t noticed her before, but now you saw the lizard-like monster nervously fiddling with her hands, glancing at you with a shy, uncertain smile. She was shorter than Undyne, her eyes filled with both intelligence and anxiety as she awkwardly adjusted the glasses on her snout. 

"This is Alphys," Undyne introduced, "She’s the smartest person I know, if anyone can help us, she can." As Undyne spoke, you noticed she seemed to soften into something more tender and protective. Alphys’ cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink at the compliment. She adjusted her lab coat, her fingers trembling slightly as she fidgeted with it. Her eyes darted between you and the floor, struggling to maintain eye contact.

"I-I’ll do my best," she stammered.

You offered Alphys a tentative smile, "Nice to meet you, Alphys. I'm [Name]." you said softly.  Alphys blinked rapidly, clearly taken aback by the  attention. She raised a hand in a quick, awkward wave, her fingers curling into a nervous fist. 

"Oh, um, h-hi!" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s, uh, nice to meet you too. I’ve… um, heard a lot about you." You nodded, not entirely sure how to respond, but you could see how nervous she was. It was oddly reassuring, her nervous energy felt like a strange mirror to your own.

Undyne glanced between the two of you, a small grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Don’t worry," she said, her voice taking on a certain warmth as she stared at the scientist. "Alphys is a little shy, but once you get to know her, she’s awesome."

Alphys blushed even further at Undyne’s praise, a wobbly smile on her face. "I-I’m just... t-trying to help however I can," she murmured, clearly embarrassed but pleased by Undyne’s words. The way she looked at Undyne was unmistakable, and you couldn’t help but feel a small sense of amusement at how obvious both of the monster's crushes were.

But the light moment didn't last long as Undyne’s gaze shifted to you, her expression cold once more. She took a step closer, her eye narrowing as she looked you over. "That thing... that human... after the attack, he said it was your fault he’s here. What the hell did he mean by that?"

You sighed, shifting uncomfortably on your feet. You had known this moment would come, but that didn’t make it any easier. Glancing between Undyne and Alphys, you took in a breath. "The person who attacked us… he’s called the Shadowbringer," you began. "And both he and I… we’re from a different universe."

Undyne's expression shifted, her brow furrowing as confusion flickered across her face. "A different universe?" she repeated as if trying to make sense of your words. Alphys, standing behind her, looked more intrigued than shocked, her eyes widening with curiosity as she leaned in slightly as if to catch every word.

You nodded, "Back in my universe, the Shadowbringer was a powerful threat, so powerful that he nearly destroyed everything. I had no choice but to stop him. I used the strongest magic I knew to banish him, to send him somewhere far away where he couldn’t hurt anyone anymore." You hesitated, the memory still painful. "When I banished him, I got caught in the spell too. And we both ended up… here."

Undyne’s face went blank as she tried to take in what you’d just said. Her brow furrowed in concentration, and you could almost see the wheels turning in her head. The silence stretched between you, and with each passing second, the guilt in your chest grew heavier, tightening its grip.

"I didn’t mean for this to happen," you whispered, your voice quieter than you wanted. The apology caught in your throat, barely escaping. "I had no idea it would affect this world. And I’m so sorry." The silence that followed felt thick, heavy, and stifling. You shifted uneasily, your fingers gripping each other so tightly that your knuckles turned white. The intensity in Undyne's eye wavered. replaced by something softer as she took a step closer to you. 

"You did what you had to do to protect your people," she said, her voice firm. "I would've done the same thing. You can't blame yourself for that." Her words should have brought some relief, but instead, they only seemed to add to the weight on your shoulders. You nodded faintly, though the tightness in your chest refused to loosen. Intentionally or not, you had brought the Shadowbringer into their world. You were the reason they were in danger.

You swallowed hard, trying to shake off the overwhelming emotions. You needed to focus on something other than your own guilt. "How are the townspeople doing?" you asked quietly after a long beat. "After the attack... are they okay?"

Undyne’s jaw clenched, and you could practically see the anger and sadness simmering inside her. "A lot of them are grieving. Some are scared, hell, everyone’s scared. The creepy human's attack hit them hard. But the Royal Guard is doing everything we can to protect them." She paused, her gaze softening. "I've sent messengers to the rest of the Underground. We’re preparing for whatever comes next."

Alphys, who had been quiet, nodded. "Y-yeah," she stammered softly, nodding as she spoke. "We’ve been working on ways to reinforce defenses, and w-we’re trying to keep people informed without causing too much panic." Her voice trembled, and she glanced away quickly, clearly uncomfortable from the attention as we all turned to look at her.

The room grew heavier with each passing second, the air thick with sorrow and fear that seemed to seep into everyone’s skin. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by a voice that cut through like a dull blade. "you know," Sans said, his usual grin plastered on his face, though it seemed thinner than usual, "sounds like we're in grave danger. guess we’ll just have to dig ourselves out of this mess."

No one laughed.

Papyrus shot his brother a look, his bone knitting together. "BROTHER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR PUNS! THIS IS SERIOUS."

Sans merely shrugged, his grin barely wavering. "just trying to lighten the mood, bro. Don’t want everyone to be too... scales-ed up." He cast a quick glance toward Alphys, the pun hanging awkwardly in the air.

Silence.

Despite the poorly timed attempt at humor, you couldn't help but feel a bit of relief at the pun. It was something familiar, a break from the gut-wrenching emotions. So your lips quirked up, and Sans's grin softened. 

Undyne shook her head, letting out a small sigh as she rolled her eye. "Whatever happened in your universe," she said, turning her gaze back to you, her voice softer but no less intense, "it’s our problem now too... So you better tell me you have a plan to beat that human freak." A smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth, a hint of her old fire returning. "Because if you do, I’m ready to tear him apart."

Despite everything, you couldn’t help but smile back. Even with the fear, the guilt, and the uncertainty, there was something comforting about knowing that Undyne was in your corner, ready to fight with you until the very end. You hummed softly to yourself, your mind spinning with thoughts and possibilities. You tried to pull together some semblance of a plan, but the pieces just didn’t fit. You ran a hand through your hair, biting your lip in frustration.

"I don’t have a plan," you admitted. "But there is one thing that's been bothering me. The Shadowbringer said he's been trying to escape but I should've been able to sense him. His magic... it should’ve been like a stench in the air. He’s powerful enough that I should have at least gotten a hint of him. But... there was nothing."

"what do you mean, ‘nothing’?" San's asked, tilting his head slightly. "you’re sayin’ his magic should’ve been, like, all over the place?"

You nodded, frustrated. "Yes. His magic is... intense. It’s dark, consuming, and unmistakable. If he’d been using it, I would’ve known. It would’ve been impossible to miss. But I didn’t feel anything. There was no trace of him." You rubbed the back of your neck, your brow furrowing.

Papyrus suddenly perked up, his eyelights widening. "UNLESS HE WAS SOMEWHERE WITH SO MUCH MAGIC THAT IT MASKED HIS OWN." 

Alphys’s brow furrowed in thought, her fingers tapping nervously against the edge of her lab coat. "There might be areas in the Underground that could do that... places with strong magical interference or natural barriers that could block magical detection."

Sans straightened slightly, "there’s a place like that, actually," he said, "the barrier. it’s not exactly a vacation spot, but it’s full of magic. enough magic to block out his. not to mention, he’s said he's been at the barrier tryin’ to break out of the underground, it would make sense if he camped out at the barrier this whole time."

Undyne’s expression darkened at the mention of the barrier, quickly turning to Alphys. "Have you heard from King Asgore recently?" 

Alphys slowly shook her head, "No, now that I think of it he hasn't contacted me in a while."

Undyne clenched her fists, her body trembling with barely contained fury. "If that human freak laid a hand on Asgore," she growled through gritted teeth, her voice low and menacing, "I’ll rip him apart."

Alphys quickly placed a hand on Undyne’s arm, her touch gentle but firm. "Undyne, please," she said, her voice soft. "We can’t rush into this. He’s too powerful. If we go charging in without a plan, we could lose too many lives. It’s too dangerous."

Undyne’s jaw tightened, her muscles visibly rigid beneath her armor as her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides. Her eye blazed with fury, her breathing heavy, nostrils flaring as she fought the rising storm within her. Her entire body seemed to tremble with the effort to rein it in, her shoulders hunched forward as though ready to lunge at the nearest wall. Then, slowly, she drew in a long, deliberate breath, the air hissing between her teeth.

"You’re right," she muttered through gritted teeth. "We can’t afford to lose anyone else. But sitting here and doing nothing isn’t an option either," she added, her voice lowering to a growl, her eye darting back to meet yours. There was desperation buried beneath her anger, one that brought back memories from long ago.

"We can’t kill him," you began, though your words felt heavy as they left your lips. "At least, not without losing too many lives. He’s too powerful." You glanced at Undyne, "But," you added, "if we could permanently trap him..."

Sans’s eyelights flickered with realization. "trapping him, huh?" he mused aloud. "that’s not a bad idea. if we could find a way to contain him without resorting to a full-on fight, it might be our best shot."

Alphys’s brow furrowed deeply as she stared at the floor. Her clawed fingers twitched nervously against her lab coat, and her glasses slipped slightly down her nose as she tilted her head. "We could use the barrier’s magic to create some kind of containment field," she suggested."But I don’t know if the barrier alone would be strong enough... unless we amplify it."

Sans’s eyelights brightened in an instant, a new thought flashing across his mind. He snapped his fingers. "what about the CORE?"

Alphys blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. Her mouth parted slightly as she stared at Sans, and then her expression shifted. Confusion gave way to a spark of excitement as the idea took hold in her mind. She leaned in, eyes wide with sudden realization. "The CORE..." Her voice trailed off as she began piecing together the plan, her hands coming together in front of her chest. "Of course! The CORE is a massive power source that converts geothermal energy into magical energy. If we could harness its power..."

Papyrus furrowed his brow, his skull tipping slightly in confusion. "WHAT THE CORE?"

Alphys glanced at Papyrus, her eyes softening, "The CORE was built by the old royal scientist, W.D. Gaster. He was a brilliant mind, but… one day, he disappeared." She paused, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her coat as she spoke. "It’s said that he fell into his own creation and was shattered across time and space." She gave a nervous chuckle, "But... that’s just a rumor, of course."

Sans, who had been watching her with an unreadable expression, shook his skull slowly. "it’s not just a rumor. gaster’s soul was scattered across the void." He paused, winking at Frisk. "you could say he fell too deep into his work." Frisk snorted slightly, tilting their head.

        *So you want to recreate what happened to Gaster and make it happen to the Shadowbringer.

"exactly. if we can trap the shadowbringer in the CORE, we can tear his soul apart, scattering it across the void. he’ll be stuck, too weak to escape, even if he survives."

Papyrus’s concerned gaze flicked between his brother and Alphys. "BUT... IF WHAT HAPPENED TO GASTER WAS AN ACCIDENT," he began, his voice softer now, "HOW CAN WE SAFELY RECREATE IT?"

Sans rubbed the back of his neck, his skull clouded with thought. "it’s gonna be hard," he admitted. He looked at his brother, his sockets softening slightly. "no doubt about it, paps. but with alphys’s knowledge of the core and my… experience, we might just be able to pull it off. we have to make sure the timing is perfect, and that we have the right amount of magic. it’s risky, but it’s our best shot."

You turned to Sans, your gaze steady as you asked, "How much time do you need?"

He scratched the back of his neck, his skeletal face showing a rare moment of hesitation. "i don’t know," he admitted slowly, his eyelights flicking between both you and Alphys. "but we’ll need as much time as we can get." You nodded, a crease forming between your brows as your mind raced with possible strategies. The stakes were high, and you could feel the tension coiling in your chest like a taut wire.

"I can distract him long enough for you both to finish," you said, your voice firm despite the nerves fluttering in your stomach. You met Sans’s stare. "On your signal, I’ll lead him over to the CORE. Once he’s close enough, you guys can activate it."

Alphys nodded, "I-I think we can do it,"  She swallowed hard before continuing. "We’ll need to make adjustments to the CORE... to control the magical energy and stabilize the process. But if we work together... we can maybe make it work."

Undyne stepped forward, clapping her hand on Alphys’s shoulder. "We will make it work" she said firmly. "This is the only way to stop him without risking everyone’s lives." She turned to Sans, her gaze burning with determination. "Alphys, Sans, I’ll go with you. We’ll bring a couple of guards and make sure you’re protected while you work on the CORE."

Papyrus puffed out his chest, standing tall despite the tremor that flickered in his orange eyelights. "I'LL GO HELP THE TOWNSPEOPLE," he declared. You turned to him, your gaze softening as you watched the slight quiver in his gloved hands. They trembled ever so slightly, a small but telling sign of the anxiety he was trying to hide. Without a second thought, you reached out and took his hands in your own, your fingers closing gently around his. His gloves were cold, and you could feel the subtle shiver that ran up him from the warmth of your touch.

You mindlessly began to move your thumb in slow, soothing circles against his gloved fingers.  Your gaze held his, and as you continued the gentle motion, you could see his expression gradually soften. The tight lines of worry that had etched themselves onto his face began to smooth out, and the anxious flicker in his glowing eyes started to fade.

"Frisk and I will go with you, Papyrus," you said, your voice steady now. Papyrus’s smile, once strained and hesitant, grew softer, more genuine. You couldn’t help but reciprocate, a smile tugging at your lips as your heart felt a sudden surge of warmth. The moment felt oddly intimate, and you could feel a flush rising to your cheeks "We’ll help however we can." Frisk nodded beside you, grabbing your hand. 

As you stood there, you felt something shift within you. The crushing guilt that had been weighing you down began to lift, replaced by something else. Your soul seemed to thrum with renewed strength, urging you forward. You could feel it in your chest, a steady rhythm that whispered, persist, persist, persist. You wouldn’t give up. You couldn’t.

There was still fear, fear of failure, fear of what might happen if things went wrong, but you weren’t alone in this fight. You had Undyne, Alphys, Sans, Papyrus, and Frisk. You had people who believed in you, and who were willing to stand by your side no matter what.

The path ahead wasn’t easy. The plan was dangerous, and there were no guarantees. But you weren’t going to let that stop you. You had already come this far, and you weren’t about to back down now. You were ready to fight for this world, for these people who had become your friends, for everyone who needed you. You took a deep breath. The battle wasn’t over, not by a long shot, but you were ready for whatever came next. You wouldn’t give up. Not now. Not ever.

Chapter Text

As you walked into Snowdin, with Papyrus and Frisk by your side, the first thing you noticed was the stillness. Some buildings were damaged from the attack, their walls cracked and roofs partially caved in. Shattered windows reflected the still-lit torches, their broken edges jagged like teeth. Wooden beams and splintered planks jutted from piles of snow, which had long lost its pristine white, now gray and muddied by debris.

The silence was unsettling. Even though you could hear the soft crunch of snow under your boots, it felt deafening. You stepped over a fallen sign, its lettering now barely readable through a claw mark. As your eyes scanned the town, they landed on a house that had been split down the middle.

A monster stood in front of it, shoulders slumped, staring at the wreckage with a distant look in their eyes. Their paws twitched, gripping onto the remnants of a family picture frame. Their gaze flickered to you briefly, and their grief shifted into something different. You could feel the anger, no, the betrayal as they stared at you.

The whispers grew louder as you ventured deeper into town. A few monsters outright glared, their arms crossed tightly over their chest. One monster muttered something under their breath, just loud enough for you to hear the bitter bite to their words. Another, a little farther back, watched you with wide, distrustful eyes, backing away with slow, cautious steps as if you were something dangerous.

You looked away, trying not to let it bother you. As you stepped over a broken wooden beam, you stole a glance at Frisk. Their face was pale, lips pressed together in a tight line. They didn't speak, though their eyes told you enough, they were just as unsettled as you were.

“I didn’t realize how bad the damage was,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, met with silence from both Papyrus and Frisk. Their faces, however, spoke volumes. The clink of armor drew your attention away from your friends as Doggo approached you, his axe resting at his side.

Dogaressa followed closely behind him, her gaze sharp but lacking the hostility you had expected to be there. Of course, her expression was guarded, but there was a glimmer of something softer in her eyes. Doggo sniffed the air as he came closer, the usual suspicion in his gaze softening, if only slightly.

You stiffened instinctively, expecting the worst. After everything that had happened, you were sure they wanted nothing to do with you. But as Doggo stared at you for a moment longer, his expression softened into concern. His white fur, speckled with hints of grey from the recent battle, bristled slightly as he let out a deep, weary sigh. 

"Are you alright, bigger Pup?" 

Your eyes widened, your uncertainty shifting to shock. You had braced yourself for anger or fear, expecting him to look at you with the same mistrust that others seemed to have. Yet here he was, standing there with Dogaressa at his side, not frightened or angry, but genuinely concerned. His ears flicked slightly as he waited for your answer, his grip on his axe loosening.

I-” you began, hesitating as you struggled to find the right words. “I thought… you wouldn’t want to see me.”

Doggo tilted his head, as he sniffed the air again, as if trying to sense your feelings through your scent "We all went through that battle. The Big Pup didn’t start it, didn't want it either," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Just... making sure you’re still in one piece." You only seemed to be able to stare, unable to find the words to answer him, but thankfully, the silence didn't last long.

"LUCKILY WE ARE ALL UNINJURED," Papyrus said suddenly, glancing around as he studied the damage. His usually bright expression seemed dull, his smile faltering as he took in the broken remnants of Snowdin. "BUT IT IS HARD TO SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT OUR TOWN." Frisk, standing beside you, glanced up at Papyrus with a quiet concern and without a word, they reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently, trying to offer comfort in the only way they knew how.

        *Is there anything we can do to help?  

Dogaressa turned to look at Frisk slowly nodding as her tail wagged slightly. "Of course, Pup. The royal guard is trying to build defenses," she explained. "We could use help clearing debris and rebuilding what we can." You placed a hand on Frisk's shoulder, your eyes flicking between them and Dogaressa. 

“Just tell us what you need and I’ll do whatever I can to help." Dogaressa gave you a rare, toothy smile, placing a large paw on your shoulder. Her grip was firm, reassuring you in a way you hadn’t expected.

"I know you will," she said, her voice softening with something like pride and despite everything, you found yourself smiling back. But the brief peace was shattered by a sharp voice cutting through the air, freezing you in place.

"You shouldn’t be here!" You turned toward the voice, dread curling in your stomach as you locked eyes with the same monster you’d seen before, standing amidst the ruins of their home. He clutched a battered picture frame to their chest as though it were the last piece of their world. But as you met his stare the grief in his eyes had turned into something darker. He approached you with trembling paws, his voice thick with rage.

"This is all your fault!" the monster shouted, his voice cracking. "If it weren’t for you, none of this would’ve happened!" The accusation hit like a physical blow, knocking the breath from your lungs. You couldn’t bring yourself to meet his stare, your eyes dropping to the snow beneath your feet. Dogaressa’s grip on your shoulder tightened and Papyrus stepped forward, placing himself between you and the monster.

"FRIEND, PLEASE," Papyrus began softly. "THIS ISN’T ALL [NAME]’S FAULT."

"You’re defending her?" he spat, his voice rising with disbelief. "Because of her, my mate is dead." His piercing gaze shifted back to you. "If she truly wants to help, she should give up her soul. Maybe then things would get better." He snapped. Doggo growled low in his throat, taking a small step forward. His ears pinned back, and his tail lashed behind him as he bared his teeth, flashing his white fangs.

"Calm down," he growled lowly. "We aren't sacrificing anyone." The monster scoffed, his ear twitching. He turned toward the gathering crowd, his eyes blazing as he pointed at you.

"We need to protect ourselves! And if she’s the reason we’re in this mess, then she needs to make it right!" The crowd began to stir, monsters murmuring amongst themselves. Some looked conflicted, their eyes darting between you and the angry monster, while others seemed to nod in agreement, their faces hardening with the same bitter anger.

Papyrus’s skull twisted with disbelief, his gloved hands clenching into fists at his sides as if trying to contain his frustration. "VIOLENCE ISN'T THE ANSWER!" he called out, his voice rising above the crowd as he turned to face you, his sockets softening. "YOU ALL KNOW HER. SHE IS OUR FRIEND. MY FRIEND." His hand hovered near your arm as if he wanted to comfort you but wasn’t sure how, and he seemed as if he wanted to say more. But, before he could, you gently placed a hand on his arm, shaking your head slightly.

"Papyrus, it’s okay," you said quietly. "They’re right." Papyrus’s sockets widened in shock, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he stepped back, allowing you to face the crowd. You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to meet the monster’s stare, despite the sting of guilt twisting in your gut. 

"I’m sorry," you began, your voice barely rising above the tense silence. "I’m so sorry for everything you’ve lost. and I know an apology won’t bring them back. And I don’t expect you to forgive me." Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, every eye now locked onto you. You swallowed hard, feeling their anger in every corner of your being.

In the crowd, you caught sight of Liz's brother, his small figure almost lost in the sea of taller monsters. His eyes were red from crying, his face blank and empty, as if the grief had drained everything from him. Seeing him made the guilt hit you all over again like a tidal wave threatening to drag you under. But you couldn’t let it. You wouldn’t.

"I know my apology can’t bring back what you lost," you said, your voice gaining strength. "And I don’t expect you to forgive me. You’ve lost people you care about, friends, family, and I..." Your voice caught in your throat for a moment, but when you saw Papyrus give you a gentle, encouraging nod out of the corner of your eye, you felt your strength return.

"And I couldn’t save them." A ripple passed through the crowd. Some monsters lowered their eyes, while others seemed to soften just a little and the anger that had filled the air moments ago began to fade, replaced by something else. 

"The Shadowbringer isn’t from this world," you continued, "This fight. It’s not yours. You don’t owe me anything. But I will fight for you," you said, your voice steady as you met their gaze, your heart hammering in your chest. "It’s selfish of me to ask," you continued, your throat tightening for a moment, "but I need you to fight. Not for me." You paused, taking another step forward.

"For each other." The silence that followed felt suffocating, pressing down on you from all sides. You could feel their hesitation, their fear, their pain; it was all there. "I can’t promise that you’ll be safe," you admitted, your voice softer now, "I can’t promise that no one else will be hurt." 

"But I promise you this: I won’t give up. I will fight for you, for this town, for everyone in the Underground who needs it. I will do everything in my power to make things right." At the end of your speech, you were met with silence, and for a moment it felt like the air had stilled. That was until Doggo stepped forward, a glint in his eye that looked suspiciously like pride. 

"Bigger Pup is right. We’ve all seen what she can do. We’ve fought together before, and she’s proven herself to us. She’s not perfect," he looked over at you, his tail wagging slightly. "None of us are. But she’s willing to put herself on the line for us. That’s more than most humans would do."

The crowd murmured, some monsters nodding in agreement and slowly, the anger that had filled the air began to dissipate. The monster with the picture frame seemed to hesitate, his anger softening into confusion as he looked between you and the others. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Grillby stepped forward from the back of the crowd. He adjusted his glasses as he approached, his glowing gaze locking onto yours and for a second, you were worried about what he was going to say. But quickly, you noticed there was no anger in his stare, only quiet understanding.

"She’s earned my trust," Grillby said, his voice deep and crackling like the embers of a dying fire. "She stood with us during the battle, and she’s standing with us now. That says more than words ever could." Hearing Grillby’s words brought a tightness to your throat. His voice carried a weight that seemed to settle over the crowd, shaking loose the last remnants of their hostility. The monsters who had glared at you moments ago now looked away, some with embarrassment, others with uncertainty. Even the monster from earlier seemed to relax, his grip loosening as they looked down at the snow beneath their feet.

Doggo sensing the change, stepped forward, the handle of his axe thudding against the snow. "Anyone who can, grab what wood we have left. We need to start rebuilding around the town, especially the bar, which will be the safe haven for those who can't fight.” As the crowd slowly began to disperse, you felt the weight on your chest ease, just a little. The monsters were still wary, their grief and anger far from gone, but they were willing to fight. That was enough for now. Monsters around you were starting to pick up debris, and members of the royal guard, some still battered and bruised from the fight, were rallying the others. 

         *I’m going to help Grillby. I heard he's going to be making space in his bar for those who don't or can't fight.

Frisk’s voice broke through your thoughts, pulling your attention away from the ruined town. You glanced over at them, their neutral expression masking what they were truly feeling. You studied their face for a moment. The childlike softness still lingered there, but beneath it lay something darker. They had been through more than anyone their age should ever have to face. And yet, here they were.

Your heart ached with a mixture of sorrow and something close to admiration. They were strong, but it wasn’t the kind of strength anyone should ever have to build at such a young age. The thought sent a wave of unease crawling down your spine. But then, a darker thought crept in, unwanted and uncomfortable:

They have been through worse. They have done worse. It was an ugly truth, one you didn’t like admitting, even to yourself. The resets, the choices, the violence… Frisk had faced it all. But every time you tried to think about it, to truly let it sink in, something twisted in your chest, and you found yourself pushing it away. Clearing your throat, you nodded at them, offering a small, strained smile.

"Alright. Just… stay safe, okay?"

Frisk’s lips curled into a faint smile, giving you a small nod before turning toward Grillby’s bar. You watched them go, your eyes lingering on their retreating figure. For all their strength, for everything they’d endured, they were still just a kid. And no matter how many times you told yourself they could handle it, that they had already proven themselves, a part of you still wanted to hide them away from all of this.

But that wasn’t possible. Not anymore.

You sighed, rubbing the back of your neck as the weight of everything settled in again. The anxiety you’d been holding at bay began to creep up on you, coiling around your chest like a snake. You stole one last glance in Frisk’s direction. They had already reached the bar, joining Grillby as he began gathering supplies. You watched as they exchanged a few words, Frisk’s small form dwarfed by the towering flame monster. With another sigh, you turned away, focusing your attention back on the task at hand. There was no telling when he would return, or what new horrors he would bring with him. But you had to be ready. You had to protect what was left, no matter the cost.

*          *          *          *          * 

Underneath the machine in the C.O.R.E., Sans lay flat on his back, tools scattered around him as he adjusted the final bolt. The low hum of the machinery resonated through his bones, and despite the intense heat radiating from the metal shell above him, he worked with slow, methodical precision. Anyone else might have been cooked alive by now, but that was one of the perks of not having any skin to scorch. He grunted softly, wiping his brow. With a sigh, he shimmied out from under the machine, feeling the heaviness in his bones as he rolled onto his side, sockets narrowing against the dim, flickering light.

The heat in the room was oppressive, and the machine’s humming almost drowned out the sound of Alphys tapping away at the console nearby. She was hunched over the control panel, eyes darting from one readout to another, her fingers flying over buttons and switches as she worked to recalibrate circuits and reset power. Every few moments, she would pause, waiting for something, anything, to happen, and each time it didn’t, her frown deepened.

Sans watched her in silence for a moment, his stare softened by exhaustion and something else, something like sympathy. He could see the wear in her posture, the way her shoulders slumped a little lower each time she hit the same dead end. They’d been at this for hours, and neither of them had gotten anywhere close to a breakthrough.

“hey, al,” he rasped, his voice cracking.. He slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position, feeling every ache in his bones as he did "so. anythin' change yet?” Alphys barely glanced up from the screen, her claws fiddling nervously with the hem of her lab coat.

“N-no…” she stammered, her voice betraying her frustration. “It’s still unresponsive. I’ve reset the power twice, recalibrated the circuits, I even triple-checked the wiring… but nothing’s working. I-I just don’t understand why it’s not-" Her voice wavered, cracking with the strain of holding it together and Sans’s chest tightened at the sound. He knew she was trying her best, pushing herself far past the limit, just like he was. His hand absently scratched at the side of his skull, the familiar sensation grounding him as his mind ran in circles.

“alright, think, sans… think...” he muttered to himself, closing his sockets and trying to force his brain into gear. But before any real thought could take hold, a loud clang reverberated through the room. Sans snapped his head up just in time to see Undyne pacing like a caged beast, her movements sharp and angry. She’d kicked a stray pipe across the floor in her frustration, the metal skittering to a stop against the far wall. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her one good eye burned with barely contained rage.

“This is stupid!” she growled, her voice trembling with the need to hit something. “We should be out there, hunting that freak before he decides to strike again! Why the hell are we just sitting here, waiting?”

Sans sat up slowly, feeling his spine creak as he did. He shot her a tired look, his jaw tightening as he forced his tone to be light. “look, fish face, i get it. sittin’ around ain’t exactly my idea of a good time either. but if we go rushin' in without a plan, we’re gonna end up six feet under. that shadow guy... he ain't playin' by the rules. gotta outsmart him, not just outfight him.”

Undyne huffed, her muscles tensing beneath her armor, frustration rolling off her in waves. “I hate waiting,” she growled, her voice low and dangerous. “It feels like we’re just giving him more time to get stronger."

Sans couldn’t help but offer a weary smirk, though there wasn’t much humor in it. “sometimes the long game’s the best move, y’know? patience, as asgore always says.” He leaned back against the machine, stretching his stiff bones. “and hey, you’re a tough fish. you’ll manage.”

Undyne rolled her eye at him, clearly unsatisfied as she clicked her tongue. It wasn’t like her to sit still, and Sans didn’t blame her. They were all itching for a fight, to put an end to this nightmare once and for all. But they had a plan and charging headfirst into a battle with the Shadowbringer would only lead to more bodies, and he’d seen enough of those to last several lifetimes.

His eyelights drifted down to the scattered schematics on the floor. Blueprints, wiring diagrams, notes scribbled in the margins, all of it jumbled together in a chaotic mess. Nothing made sense anymore. They’d tried everything, tightening bolts, rerouting power, recalibrating systems, and still, nothing worked.

He scratched harder at his skull, a faint clicking sound filling the air as his bony fingers tapped against his temple. His mind felt foggy, thick with exhaustion, but through the haze, a thought began to form. Something tugged at the back of his mind, something half-forgotten, buried beneath layers of fragmented memories.

Gaster.

 Sans’s jaw tightened as memories of old journals and cryptic notes flickered through his mind. Gaster had been brilliant, a genius beyond anyone he had ever known, but his work had always been a bit insane, half of it incomprehensible even to Sans. Still, if there was anyone who might have known how to fix this machine, it was him. 

It was a long shot, but right now, it was the only shot they had. His attention fell back toward Alphys, who was still hunched over the console, biting her lip as she fidgeted nervously. Sans cleared his throat, drawing her attention.

"heya, alphys..." His voice, usually casual and tinged with humor, had an edge of seriousness to it now. "you still got those old journals from gaster lyin’ around?" Alphys blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. She hesitated, her claw pausing mid-air over the console.

"Uh... y-yeah, I think so," she stammered, glancing over her shoulder at a cluttered shelf. Dusty books, tangled cables, and loose tools were stacked haphazardly on it. "But... why?" Her voice quivered slightly as she turned back to him. "They’re written in such a strange language. I’ve tried looking through them before, but they’re just... unreadable." Sans slowly pushed himself to his feet, feeling the stiffness in his bones as he straightened up. He dusted off his shorts with a lazy sweep of his hand, then shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets as his usual slouch returned.

"don’t ask me how," he said with a small, almost sheepish grin creeping across his skull. "but I can understand 'em. trust me on this." Alphys stared at him for a moment, her mouth slightly open in surprise. She looked like she wanted to ask a dozen questions but, instead, she nodded slowly and quickly shuffled over to a nearby storage cabinet. She rummaged through it, muttering to herself as she pushed aside piles of old equipment, frayed papers, and forgotten experiments.

"These are the ones I managed to keep," Alphys said after a moment, holding out a stack of dusty journals to Sans. "But... are you sure they’ll help?" Sans took the journals from her, the weight of them familiar in his hands. His grin faded as he flipped open the first one, his eye sockets narrowing as he skimmed over the strange symbols that filled the pages. They were unreadable to almost anyone else, but to him, they were like fragments of an old, half-forgotten language, something he hadn’t thought about in years.

"no guarantees," he murmured, his voice serious now. "but it’s worth a shot." As Sans buried himself in the journals, flipping through page after page of cryptic notes, crazy ramblings, and diagrams, Undyne resumed her restless pacing. Her armored boots clanked against the floor with each heavy step, the metallic sound echoing through the quiet room as the minutes dragged on and every so often, her eye flickered toward Alphys.

Alphys stood near the corner, her hands fidgeting with her lab coat, twisting the fabric in tight, nervous knots. Her tail flicked from side to side, betraying her growing anxiety despite her attempts to appear composed. Every now and then, her shoulders hunched just a little more, her eyes darting from Sans to Undyne, then back to the floor, like she was waiting for something bad to happen.

Undyne paused mid-step, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of Alphys’s trembling fingers and the way her tail twitched almost uncontrollably. The sight made something tighten in Undyne’s chest. She wasn’t used to seeing Alphys like this.

“You worried about the town too?” Undyne asked suddenly, her voice softer than usual. The words came out almost hesitant like she wasn’t sure how to approach the situation with anything but the usual loudness that came so naturally to her. Alphys looked up, startled by the break in the silence. She blinked a few times, her wide, yellow eyes darting away from Undyne's stare. 

"Y-Yeah," Alphys admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She shifted on her feet, her gaze dropping again, and her tail curled around her leg. "I just... I don't know what else we can do."

Undyne watched her for a beat longer, her usual confidence tempered by something more thoughtful. She clenched her fists at her sides, the muscles in her jaw working as she tried to find the right words; not something she was particularly good at. But looking at Alphys, so clearly on edge, she knew she had to try.

“Hey, Alphys,” Undyne started, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. "You’re the smartest monster I know. You always figure this stuff out. You’ve done it a million times before. So… I know you’ll figure this out too.” Alphys glanced up, her eyes shimmering with doubt, but the smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. 

“I-I don’t know, Undyne,” Alphys muttered. “This… this is different. What if I mess up? What if I can’t-”

“You won’t,” Undyne cut in firmly, stepping closer until she was standing right in front of her. She reached out, placing a strong but careful hand on Alphys’s shoulder. “You’re not alone in this. Right Sans?" Sans, who had been flipping through another journal, glanced up at the sound of his name. A lazy grin spread across his face as he set the journal down, leaning back in his chair.

“yeah, you’ve got this, alphys,” Sans said, shooting her a wink. “i mean, if anyone’s gonna figure this out, it’s you. you’re the brains of this operation, after all.” Alphys blinked at him, still looking unsure, but a little of the tightness in her shoulders eased. 

Sans’s grin widened as he grabbed the journal again, lazily flipping a page as he scanned the text. "and besides," he continued, his sockets softening, "[name]'s down in snowdin right now. she's tough as nails. she won't let anything bad happen to anyone."

Undyne raised an eyebrow, catching the slight change in his tone. She shot a glance at Alphys, who was equally intrigued, the two exchanging a look that spoke volumes. Sans noticed, his eyelights flicking between them, feeling their eyes on him as he tried to stay focused on the journal.

"what? do you not believe me?" he asked, raising a metaphoric brow, as he flipped to another page, trying to focus. Undyne snorted, crossing her arms over her chest as her lips curled into a knowing smirk as she took a step closer.

"Oh, I believe you," she teased.. "Just never thought I'd hear you of all monsters trust a human that much, Sans." For just a split second, he stiffened. His gloved fingers hesitated on the edge of a page, and his grin faltered before he let out a slow breath, forcing himself to refocus on the journal in his lap.

"she’s proven to be a good friend... more like family, really." His voice was quieter, the usual lazy drawl replaced with something more genuine, something softer. Undyne’s smirk deepened, and with a gleam in her yellow eye, she stepped closer.

"Family, huh? That’s a big deal, coming from you, bonehead." Sans tried to keep his cool, to seem unbothered, but the corners of his mouth twitched. He huffed, flipping another page in the journal, but his concentration was clearly strained.

"yeah, well, she’s earned it. besides, she’s saved our butts a couple of times now." Undyne grinned, leaning in closer, clearly not done yet.

"Yeah, yeah, we all know that... but I’ve gotta say, Sans, the way you talk about her, it’s not just ‘family,’ is it?" She teased, wiggling her eyebrow. "Is there something you’re not telling us?" Alphys, who had been quietly observing, perked up at that, her eyes widening with excitement. She started fidgeting with her hands, her nervousness giving way to a barely contained fangirling energy.

"W-Wait, are you saying Sans likes her?" she asked, her voice a little too loud and high-pitched. Sans froze again, his fingers suddenly feeling clumsy as he tried to turn the next page. His shull flushed a deep blue, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. He quickly hid his face behind the journal, hoping they wouldn’t notice. Undyne barked out a laugh, clapping a hand on his shoulder hard enough to make him wobble.

"Oh my gosh! You do! You totally like her!" 

"no," Sans muttered quickly, his voice muffled by the journal. "i just... need to focus right now, alright?" But the blush creeping up his skull betrayed him, and he could feel the heat intensifying under their amused stares.

"Focus, huh?" Undyne teased, leaning in even closer, her grin turning almost wicked. "Yeah, sure, that’s what it is." Alphys couldn’t help herself, her eyes sparkling as she chimed in.

"O-Oh! Th-That’s so sweet! I never thought... I mean, I-I always thought you were more of the... y'know... um... laid-back type!" Sans buried his face even deeper into the journal, his blush deepening.

"c’mon guys," he mumbled, refusing to confirm or deny anything. "give me a break here." Undyne and Alphys shared a look, their excitement only growing. They weren’t going to let him off the hook that easily, but Sans, as flustered as he was, stayed true to form. He kept his non-existent lips sealed on the matter, even as his embarrassment became impossible to ignore. His blush might’ve said more than his words ever would, but he wasn’t about to admit anything out loud, even as they giggled.

"yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Sans grumbled, flipping another page but clearly distracted. "we’ve got bigger bones to pick right now."

Undyne smirked, satisfied for now. "Alright, alright," she conceded, stepping back with a chuckle. "But this isn’t over, bonehead. You’re gonna have to tell us eventually.

Sans rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He could take their teasing; it didn’t really bother him. But their words stirred something within him, something warm and soft that he wasn’t quite ready to face. Not now, not when there was so much at stake. 

He flipped another page, determined to stay focused when something caught his attention. His eyelights expanded as he stared at a diagram, his soul seeming to hammer. This was the missing piece, one that made the scattered puzzle pieces in his mind start to come together. He tapped the page lightly, lost in thought for a moment before he broke the silence. 

"Hey, guys..." he began slowly, still staring at the diagram as his thoughts raced. "i think i figured it out."

*          *          *          *          * 

Snow drifted gently through the air, settling on the town’s makeshift defenses. Wooden spikes jutted out of snow, while makeshift watchtowers were scattered across the town. Monsters were everywhere, grinding blades against stone, testing their weapons and magic, and fortifying whatever they could. 

You were currently in the forest, walking along the perimeter as Papyrus followed beside you. He’d insisted on joining you earlier when you said you wanted to check the outskirts, and you didn’t have the heart to refuse him. You’d spent the last few hours together, moving through the snow, pointing out any weak spots, and offering help when you could and despite everything that was about to come, the battle that was going to happen, he was still himself.

You had always admired that about him, the way he seemed to keep his head high no matter what happened. But right now, you could tell something was on his mind. The silence between you was far from awkward, but it was strange. It wasn’t like Papyrus to hold his thoughts back, especially around you, but you figured when he wanted to, he would tell you. 

So when he finally broke the silence, you were surprised by what came out of his mouth. "YOU KNOW... YOU'RE PRETTY INCREDIBLE."

The words caught you off guard and you turned, startled by the sudden compliment. “Me?” you asked, your brow furrowing in disbelief. “I’m just doing what I can. I’m far from incredible.”

Papyrus suddenly stopped, staring at you with a soft smile as he shook his head. “NO. YOU ARE WRONG,” his seriousness made your breath hitch, your eyes widening as he continued to speak. “YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. BECAUSE OF YOU... I'VE GROWN STRONGER." You found yourself unable to look away from him, wondering what had made him say this, why now? His armor clinked softly as he shifted his weight, his hands balling into fists by his sides as he continued.

“I WANT TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD,” Papyrus began, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he fidgeted with his gloves. The sight of him like this, so vulnerable, caught you off guard. “ NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO PROTECT THE UNDERGROUND. I THOUGHT THAT IF I BECAME A MEMBER, I’D BE MORE...POPULAR."

Popular? The word echoed in your mind, and you felt as if you were getting stabbed. You always saw Papyrus as larger than life, always filled with so much enthusiasm and pride. But now, it was clear there was a part of him you hadn’t quite seen before, a part of him that was hurting.  He glanced at you briefly before looking away again, his hands clenching at his sides.

“I THOUGHT, THAT IF I JOINED MAYBE PEOPLE WOULD LOOK AT ME THE WAY THEY LOOK AT SANS.” His voice cracked slightly, and your heart squeezed at the confession. “I KNOW I CAN OVERWHELM PEOPLE WITH MY GREATNESS, AND THAT'S OKAY.” Papyrus continued with a light chuckle, though there was an edge to his voice. “BUT I COULDN’T HELP BUT FEEL LONELY. NO ONE EVER SAW ME THE WAY I WANTED THEM TO, UNTIL...”

He trailed off, his eyes meeting yours with a softness that made your chest ache, and your face feel warm. “WITH YOU... IT'S DIFFERENT. YOU'VE NEVER TREATED ME LIKE I'M TOO MUCH. YOU'VE ALWAYS LET ME BE MYSELF. AND BECAUSE OF THAT, I DON’T FEEL SO ALONE ANYMORE.” You swallowed, taking a small step toward him. You hadn't realized how much he had come to care for you, how much you meant to him, until now. 

"Papyrus..." 

"YOU'VE MADE ME STRONGER,” he said, “NOT JUST IN BATTLE, BUT AS...AS A MONSTER. AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU.” The gratitude in his voice was almost overwhelming, and for a moment, you couldn’t find the words to respond. You were used to feeling like the one who had to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, the one who had to keep everyone safe. But here was Papyrus, telling you that you had been the one to help him, him, of all people, find his strength.

Your throat tightened as stared into those eyelights, a flutter of emotion swirling in your chest, rising like a wave you couldn't hold back, no matter how much you tried. The warmth in your body spread, tingling through your limbs, and you swallowed hard against the swell of feelings threatening to overwhelm you. "Papyrus," you started, your voice softer than you'd intended, "you’ve always been strong. From the moment I met you, I saw that."

The butterflies in your stomach fluttered even more intensely as you continued, eyes searching his. "Not just in your physical strength, but in the way you care; the way you show up for everyone. You’ve taught me what it means to trust someone, to rely on them." Your heart pounded, each word feeling like it carried more weight than the last. "You make me feel... safe."

Papyrus’s sockets widened, his eyelights brightening in surprise. He stared at you, a soft exhale escaping him, and then, with a tenderness that sent warmth spreading through your chest, Papyrus stepped forward, slowly wrapping his arms around you.

His embrace was nothing like you had expected it to be. While usually, his hugs are energetic, this one was different. It felt so safe, so comforting, that it took you by surprise. His armor pressed lightly against you, but underneath, you could feel the steady rhythm of his soul, and as you rested your head against his chest, your breathing slowing as the gentle thump-thump of his soul steadied your own.

Papyrus seemed to hold you like you were something fragile, precious even, as though he was afraid letting go would mean losing something important. Immediately, you hugged him back without hesitation, feeling the knots in your body melt away as your arms tightened around him, savoring the warmth. Time seemed to slow, the noise of the world fading until it was just the two of you standing there, holding on to each other.

When you finally pulled back, Papyrus reluctantly let you, his bony cheeks a lingering glow of orange. Your heart raced, but it wasn’t from fear or anxiety anymore; it was something else. Something that made your chest feel light and full all at once. You met his stare again, your eyes searching his, holding his gaze just a little longer than usual. His expression softened, and you could see something in him shift; like he was seeing you in a new light.

"Papyrus," you whispered, your voice sounding strange in the silence. "Thank you... for always being there." He blinked, and then, with a rare, almost bashful smile, Papyrus gave a small nod.

"I’LL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU," he said, his voice low and gentle. "YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT." Heat spread through your chest again, and despite everything, you found yourself smiling.

"Right back at you." Papyrus's smile widened, a soft laugh escaping him.

"I'LL HOLD YOU TO THAT!" His laugh was light and infectious, and soon, you were laughing along with him, the sound unexpectedly lifting the heavy weight that had clung to your shoulders for so long and for that brief moment, everything felt lighter; almost normal. But as the laughter faded and the two of you started walking again, the world settled back into focus.

The snow crunched beneath your boots as you moved past the last of the perimeter, silence filling the spaces where your laughter had been. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, far from it. There was something comforting in the way neither of you needed to fill the air with words, just the presence of one another was enough.

And yet, your peace, of course, didn't last long. It was subtle at first, a small prickling awareness of being watched. You tried to shake it off, tried to focus on something else, but the feeling only grew stronger. Unseen eyes seemed to follow your every move, tracking you, probing, waiting for something.

Your steps instinctively slowed, your heart quickening in response, and Papyrus, ever observant, immediately noticed. He stopped beside you, his brow furrowing with concern as he looked down at you.

"IS SOMETHING WRONG?" he asked. He leaned in slightly, his towering frame unconsciously shifting closer to you as though to shield you from whatever had you on edge. You forced a smile, but it felt tight, unnatural.

"I'm fine," you said quickly, too quickly. The clipped words hung in the air for a second too long before you caught yourself, softening your voice with a slight shake of your head. "I just... I need a moment, Papyrus. Go ahead without me, okay? I’ll catch up." His sockets widened slightly in confusion, and you could see the hesitation flash across his skull. He fidgeted, shifting his weight between his feet, clearly torn between doing as you asked and not wanting to leave you alone. 

"OKAY…" he replied after a moment. He straightened himself, offering you a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyelights. "BUT YOU BETTER CATCH UP QUICKLY, OKAY?" H smile only deepened the uneasy feeling in your chest, but you nodded all the same.

"I will," you promised. He lingers for a moment longer, searching your face one last time before he nods and turns to continue walking, his long scarf trailing behind him. You watch him go, feeling a small pang of guilt for sending him away, but you know you need to deal with this alone.

The world falls still, the quiet almost deafening save for the soft crunch of your boots as you shift your weight. Each exhale escapes in a puff of vapor, reminding you of the chill that's seeped into your bones. The familiar sound of digging draws your attention and you groan, unsurprised when a flash of yellow bursts from the ground. 

"Great. It's you." You mutter sarcastically. Flowey shakes the snow on his petals as his grin stretches unnaturally wide as he stares up at you.

"Awww, isn’t this just precious?" he sneers, his mocking tone cutting through the silence like a knife. "Two ‘friends’ sharing such a tender moment. How touching, it almost makes me sick." You meet his black beady eyes, irritation bubbling in your throat as you stare hardens. Your fists clench at your sides, but you force yourself to stay calm.

"What do you want, Flowey?" you ask, your voice flat, unbothered. "And don’t even think about messing with my friends. I’ll crush you where you stand." Flowey’s grin only widens, eyes narrowing into sinister slits. You could practically feel his sick joy, but underneath it, there’s something darker.

"Oh, me?" he replies, mock innocence dripping from his words. "Just here to check in on the fun. Not here for your little NPC pals; they’re nothing but pawns in the game." Your jaw ticks, crossing your arms as you stare down at him. You know he wants you to snap, to attack him, so despite every inch of your being telling you to crush him, you suck in a calming breath. 

"Then why are you here?" you gritted out. For a fleeting moment, his grin falters as if annoyed, but his mask quickly returns.

"This timeline," he murmurs, his voice lowering, eyes gleaming with something far less playful. "It’s... different. Something’s changed."

You scoff, crossing your arms. "Oh, really, what makes you think that? Maybe it has to do with the fact we are all about to fight for our lives." His smirk flickers, his amusement souring into something colder as his face darkens, eyes narrowing with an emotion you hadn’t seen before.

"No, idiot. This timeline... it's glitching," he hisses, his tone losing its playful edge. "Cracks everywhere. Moments that don’t sync, like reality’s fraying at the edges." The unease you’ve felt since the battle stirs again, but you refuse to show it. You know exactly what he’s talking about, but you don't give him the answers he wants. 

"So what?" you shoot back, raising an eyebrow. "Why bring it up to me?"

Flowey's grin sharpens, his veins unearthing from the snow, like agitated snakes. "Isn’t it obvious? You’re at the center of this mess. You and that shadow-loving maniac. What do you think you’re doing? Frisk should’ve reset everything by now, wipe the slate clean, just like before. But look around you! All the destruction, all the death, and nothing's been reset!" His words cut deeper than you want to admit, but you keep your expression cool. He’s desperate for answers, desperate because something’s happening that he can’t control, and he hates it. A slow smirk tugs at your lips.

"You have no idea, do you?" For a split second, Flowey’s smug facade crumbles. His eyes flash with anger, his vines trembling with barely contained rage.

"You know something," he growls, his voice dropping as it distorts. "Tell me." Unbothered, you step forward, boots crunching softly in the snow, your eyes never leaving Flowey’s. The chill of the air nips at your skin, but you remain still, focused, the world around you fading into the background as you speak.

"Frisk can’t reset," you reveal. For a moment, Flowey is silent, staring at you as if you’ve just spoken in a foreign language. Then, slowly, the reality of what you’ve said sinks in, and his eyes widen. His wide grin falters, and his petals tremble. The sharpness in his eyes dulls, replaced with a flicker of disbelief.

“What?” he breathes out, the disbelief clear in his voice. Gone is the familiar biting sarcasm; instead, there’s something much rarer; genuine shock. You step closer still, feeling the weight of his stare but never backing down, watching as his confidence crumbles with grim satisfaction.

"Frisk won’t reset. They can’t. Not this time. Whatever happens, there’s no going back." Confusion swirls within his black eyes, mingling with fear as the implications crash down on him like a landslide. He shakes his head, his petals twitching nervously. 

"You’re lying,” he mutters, though you can see the tremor in his stare, the subtle doubt that’s already taken root. Even he doesn’t believe his own words.

"No, The Shadowbringer and I... we’re anomalies. We’re screwing with the timeline, with Frisk’s powers. The resets aren’t happening because they can’t, not while we’re still here." For a moment, Flowey’s usual mask slips entirely. His grin dissolves into something more akin to a nervous twitch, his smug exterior cracking like brittle ice. He looks disturbed, but, as always, he refuses to stay vulnerable for long. His face darkens, and he slithers closer once again, vines dragging through the snow.

"Maybe for now," he hisses, his voice low and dangerous, "but what happens when Frisk figures out how to reset again?" You roll your eyes, refusing to let him get to you, and Flowey scoffs, his grin stretching unnervingly wide.

"You think they won’t?" He taunts. "You think they wouldn’t reset this whole timeline the second they get the chance?" A knot twists in your stomach at his words, doubt creeping in despite your best efforts to shove it away. You force your expression to stay calm, composed, but inside, your thoughts are racing. You stare him down, refusing to let him see the flicker of uncertainty gnawing at you.

“They wouldn’t do that.” But even you knew the words felt hollow. 

“Oh, really? Are you sure?” His grin widens, stretching unnaturally across his face as his petals curl inward, shaking off the snow that had fallen on him “What if you die? Do you really think Frisk wouldn’t try to bring you back? What if they decide to rewind everything just to ensure you live?” The silence between you thickens, and Flowey begins to laugh, his voice rising into a manic cackle as the sound echoes off the snow-covered trees around you, the madness in it sending a chill down your spine.

“See? You can’t even deny it! When Frisk has the power, they’ll do anything to save you. And don’t pretend you don’t know it! Wouldn’t you do the same for them? If you had their powers, wouldn’t you reset the whole timeline to bring them back?” Your jaw tightens, teeth gritting against the emotions threatening to overtake you. His words hit closer to home than you’d like to admit. There’s a sharpness to them, a truth you don’t want to face but can’t entirely ignore, but you refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing your discomfort.

"One problem with your little theory," you snap. "I’m not going to die." Flowey’s laughter darkens, twisting into something sinister.

"Oh, but you can’t promise that, can you?" he hisses. His body shifts with a slithering grace, his vines trailing through the snow as he circles you like a predator stalking its prey, eyes locked on yours. "You can’t guarantee your survival. We both know that." He moves closer, his petals brushing against the ground with a soft rustle, the faintest sound sending a shiver up your spine. Flowey’s eyes never leaves you, his voice almost like a song. 

"You’d sacrifice yourself in a heartbeat for the greater good," he continues happily. " You'd kill yourself to save everyone. And when you do…" He leans in, his words almost lost in the freezing air. "Frisk will reset. You’ll go through all of this again. You’ll never escape. None of you will."

Your fists clench instinctively, knuckles turning white as the temptation to lash out, to let your frustration boil over, is almost overwhelming. You take a deep breath instead, forcing yourself to exhale slowly, your breath visible in the cold air. You steady your thoughts, pushing back the rising anger. 

"You always think you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you, Flowey?" Your tone is calm, and steady, your eyes cold. His grin falters for just a heartbeat, a flash of uncertainty flickering in his gaze before it’s gone, replaced by his usual smugness.

"I do have it figured out," he sneers, circling you once again as his petals flutter and his vines twist and coil in the snow. "You’re all just pieces on a board, and me? I’m the one who’ll win in the end. I always do."

You smile faintly, though the expression never reaches your eyes. There’s something dangerous in your stare, something that makes Flowey’s vines twitch nervously. You take a step forward, slow and deliberate, watching him as he instinctively recoils, the sneer on his face slipping for just a moment.

"Is that why you’re so fixated on this timeline?" you ask, your voice softer now, more measured. "Because deep down, you know something’s wrong. Something you can’t control." You take another step closer, your eyes never leaving his. "Face it, Flowey. You’re not as invincible as you think. Things are changing; and that terrifies you."

Flowey’s grin falters, his petals trembling. "I’m not scared of anything!" he snaps, but the waver in his voice betrays him. His words lack their usual venom, and you can see it, fear creeping in. The sharpness in his voice feels hollow, like he’s grasping at straws, desperate to maintain control. "You don’t know what you’re talking about."

You smile, taking pleasure in watching him unravel. "Don’t I?" you murmur, leaning in just enough that your breath mingles with the cold air swirling between you. "You feel it, don’t you? The timeline slipping through your fingers, the rules shifting. Frisk can’t reset any more. This timeline… it’s permanent."

For the first time, Flowey stills completely, his wide eyes flickering with something far deeper than anger. "No… you’re wrong." But there’s no conviction behind the words now. They fall flat, hanging in the air like a desperate plea. You watch him closely, savoring the moment. The way his body tenses, the way his eyes darts ever so slightly, as if searching for an escape. The silence stretches between you, heavy and oppressive, and you can see the truth sinking in. It settles over him like a suffocating weight.

"Maybe this time," you continue, your voice soft but cutting like ice, "you’re the one who’s going to be stuck. Trapped in a timeline you can’t control."

Flowey’s eyes narrow again, anger bubbling beneath his surface. He remains silent, his stare burning into you, but there’s nothing left for him to say. His power over you, over this world, has always hinged on control, on his ability to manipulate. But now, that power is slipping away, and he knows it. He’s no longer the puppet master here.

With a final, lingering glare, Flowey vanishes, disappearing into the snowy ground. But even when you are sure he is gone, you stand there a moment longer, feeling the cold bite at your skin as you take a deep, steadying breath. His taunts had struck a nerve, but you refuse to let them linger. You’ve come too far, fought too hard, to let someone like Flowey shake you now. Instead, you hold onto the satisfaction of having shaken him.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair as you tried to slow your thoughts. You have Hope. Hope that this time could be different. That maybe the monsters could finally make it to the surface for good, and that Flowey’s predictions wouldn’t come true. But deep down, you knew there was a chance Flowey could be right. That Frisk might be able to reset again, and there would be nothing you could do to stop them.  

As you walked back toward Snowdin, your thoughts raced in circles, each one tumbling over the next. The sight of Grillby’s bar brought a bit of relief, and as you entered the heat hit you like a wall, nearly suffocating after the cold outside. Your eyes swept across the room until they caught the sight of a blue and purple sweatshirt. 

Frisk was standing near the back, guiding an older monster to safety. You watched as their hands moved and the older monster smiled, nodding gratefully. Then as if sensing your stare, Frisk's eyes found yours, and the brief flicker of surprise on their face quickly shifted into concern. They signed something to the older monster before guiding them toward the back, and then, with hesitant steps, they approached you.

“Frisk,” you called out softly. You took a step forward, hands buried in your pockets as if they could somehow anchor you. “I need to talk to you. Privately.” The kid tilted their head, curiosity and worry dancing in their brown eyes. Frisk hesitated only for a moment before they gestured for you to lead the way, and together, you moved toward a quieter corner of the bar, away from the bustling crowd. The warm glow of the bar felt distant now, and the faint hum of conversation faded into the background as you turned to face Frisk.

“I need you to promise me something,” you began, your voice almost a whisper as the words caught in your throat. You drew in a shaky breath, trying to steady yourself. “If we defeat the Shadowbringer… no matter what happens, you can’t reset. If you can, you need to make a save point after he’s gone, so this part of the timeline is locked. So he can never come back. If you reset after that… everything we’ve done will be for nothing.”

Frisk froze, their wide eyes revealing the shock that rippled through them. Their hands twitched slightly at their sides, and you caught the flicker of guilt in their expression; an emotion you’d grown all too familiar with. Your expression softened as you reached out, gently resting your hand on their shoulder as you guided their eyes back to yours.

“I know you’ve done things,” you continued, your voice gentle but firm.  “Things you’re not proud of. But this is your chance, Frisk. Your chance to make things right. Get them to the surface. Permanently, this time.” Frisk stared at you, their expression shifting from shock to something deeper, something almost desperate and you saw the question form in their eyes before they even signed it.

       *Are you not coming back?

The words stopped you in your tracks, the question hanging heavy in the air between you. You hadn’t expected them to ask that, and the truth of it clawed at you in a way you hadn’t prepared for. Your hand fell limply to your side, your thoughts scrambling for something to say, anything to say. But instead of making empty promises, you reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from their face. Your fingers lingered for a moment against their cool skin as they searched your face, looking for answers. Whatever they saw made them take a step back, shaking their head.

       *No I’m not leaving you behind. I’ll reset as many times as needed to bring you with me.

The defiance in their eyes hit you harder than any words could have. Frisk meant it, every word, and that terrified you more than anything else. You inhaled sharply, steeling yourself before speaking again.

“No, Frisk,” you said, locking eyes with them. “You can’t reset for me.” your voice softened, growing more tender, “I promise you, I’m not planning on going anywhere, but if something does happen, resetting won’t fix it. It won’t change what needs to be done.”

Frisk’s brow furrowed as they listened, their eyes darting between you and the window as if searching for a way to keep you near them. You knelt down, bringing yourself to their level, your hands resting gently on their shoulders. You needed them to understand. “Frisk,” you whispered, your voice almost pleading now. “You have to promise me. If the worst happens... you won’t reset. You’ll move forward. You’ll get everyone to the surface. You have to.”

Before Frisk could respond, the doors to Grillby’s burst open with a crash. You jolted, springing to your feet as your magic flared, watching a monster stumble inside, breathless and wild-eyed. “He’s here!” they gasped, panic lacing their voice. “The Shadowbringer is coming!” A cold wave of dread washed over you, and you turned back to Frisk, as your voice dropped to a near whisper.

“Promise me,” you pleaded, your eyes locking onto theirs. “Please... promise me you won’t reset.” Frisk’s eyes widened with fear, and for a moment, they didn’t respond. But then they moved forward, tightly wrapping their arms around you, burying their face into your shoulder. You didn't hesitate, holding them just as tightly. You could feel their body trembling against yours as a few muffled sniffles escaped them, and your eyes stung as you blinked away the heat building behind them. When Frisk finally pulled away, they wiped at their eyes, sniffling as they tried to pull themselves together.

        *I promise.

You smiled at them, but it was small and fragile, barely touching your eyes. The hollow feeling gnawed at your insides, but you forced it down and with a gentle ruffle of their hair, you whispered,

“Good,” Without another word, you turned and bolted toward the door, the cold biting into your skin the moment you stepped outside. The wind howled through the streets, stinging your face and clawing at your clothes, but none of it mattered. Not the burn in your lungs, not the ache in your legs. The only thing that mattered now was him. 

Monsters crowded the streets, gathering in clusters, and you pushed through, ignoring the sharp glances and wary looks thrown your way. Some monsters stepped aside without a word, their eyes flicking between you and the figure looming in the distance. Others clung to each other, their whispers thick with anxiety, but you kept your attention fixed ahead.

The royal guard stood rigidly at the head of the group, their weapons drawn, the edges glinting sharply in the pale light. Armor clanked as they shifted uneasily. Even from this distance, you could feel the thrum of magic in the air, buzzing around you like an invisible storm ready to break. Snow whipped around in blinding gusts, but it didn’t hide him, not from you.

The Shadowbringer stood tall, untouched by the chaos that surrounded him. His black hair was tousled by the wind, but he stood utterly still, hands clasped neatly behind his back as if this was all some grand game. His eyes flickered toward you the moment you broke through the front line of the crowd, and your breath hitched as your eyes locked with his.

Time seemed to slow, the noise of the wind and the murmuring monsters dulling to a muted roar. The ground felt unsteady beneath your feet as the world seemed to close in. The Shadowbringer’s expression barely shifted, but the cold amusement that gleamed in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine. His lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile, a smile that was anything but warm. 

Your stomach twisted, but you planted your feet firmly on the ground, refusing to back down. You could feel your hands balling into fists at your sides, your nails digging into your palms, but you didn’t flinch. You couldn’t. Not now. Not with everyone watching. Not with him standing there.

The Shadowbringer tilted his head, his smile deepening. He took his time, the silence stretching painfully between you both before he finally spoke. His voice was low, almost amused, as if this whole situation was trivial, like asking about the weather.

“I take it then,” he began, his voice a cold, mocking hum, “you’re not going to take my offer.”

Chapter Text

“No,” you said, your voice cutting through the cold like a blade. “I’m not taking your offer.” For a fleeting moment, there was nothing but stillness. The world seemed to hold its breath. Then, his smile twitched, just the barest flicker of movement at the corner of his lips, as though your defiance amused him more than it should have. 

He stood there, still as stone, the shadows at his feet twisting languidly, like serpents waiting for their master's command. A soft chuckle escaped him, low and cold, rippling through the quiet.

“Disappointing,” the Shadowbringer mused,“ but not unexpected.” His dark eyes drifted over your shoulder, sweeping lazily across the monsters gathered behind you.  His eyes only lingered for a moment, a single, disdainful glance, before his attention fell back to you. His amusement deepened, lighting up the cold depths of his eyes. 

“So,” he continued, “this is it, then? The great army you’ve rallied to face me? These trembling, weak souls?” His smirk widened, sharp and cruel as another laugh escaped him, colder, darker this time. “Pathetic. It’s almost insulting.”

You held his stare, refusing to blink, refusing to flinch. His eyes gleamed with a twisted sort of happiness that you had seen before, as though he relished in the thought of tearing everything you cared about apart. The snowfall around you slowed to a near standstill, the flakes frozen midair, as your chest tightened, your jaw ticking. 

“I’ve beaten you with less,” you snapped. Memories of a time long past, of a different battle fought under different skies, flickered through your mind. His smile faltered, just for a moment, the sharp edges of his expression softening into something darker, something far more dangerous.

“That was a long time ago, hero,” he said, his voice dripping with venom. The shadows around him coiled tighter, their movements more deliberate now, like predators preparing to strike. The very air around him seemed to thicken, growing heavier, and darker, as though every shadow was being pulled toward him. 

The ground beneath his feet began to tremble as shadowy figures emerged from the depths, their grotesque forms writhing unnaturally. Some were small, skittering like insects with eyes that glowed an eerie white, while others were monstrous in size, towering over the landscape like twisted giants.

Hollow eyes glowed from within their deformed faces, and their bodies jerked with every step as if barely held together by the dark magic that birthed them.

“It won’t happen again,” he snarled. The monsters behind you stiffened, and you could practically taste their fear. But, this was a sight you had seen before, and you scoffed. 

“We’ll see about that,” you murmured, slowly lifting your hands, feeling that familiar thrum of magic begin to stir within you.

You inhaled sharply, your chest heaving as the intensity of the energy built, each breath pulling in the icy air that only seemed to feed your magic more. Sweat slicked your brow despite the cold, your body trembling with the effort of containing the power that crackled at your fingertips.

The air around you shifted, biting and sharp, crackling with magic as it answered your call. A brilliant, icy blue light ignited in your eyes, the glow so fierce it reflected off the snow at your feet. 

The snow stirred, first in small whirls, then in larger gusts as it rose to meet your will. You took a step forward, and the snow responded, swirling higher and higher until it whirled around you.

“You’re not the only one who can raise an army,” you growled through gritted teeth. The effort sent another shudder down your spine, your magic thickening in the air until the very town itself seemed to hum with energy. 

The ground rumbled beneath you as the first giant clawed its way free from the snow, its form towering and bulky, like a massive ice golem forged from a glacier itself. Its body was wide and solid, armor-like plates of thick ice covering every inch of its hulking frame.

Every step it took rumbled through the ground, sending vibrations through the air as it groaned in a low, deep rumble. 

But one giant wasn’t enough. Your magic tugged at you, demanding more, and soon another rose beside the first, identical in shape and size, clawing its way free from the swirling storm of snow and ice.

The monsters around you gasped, their wide eyes fixed on the towering ice giants that now loomed over the battlefield. Some of them recoiled, surprise rippling through the crowd, while others stood frozen in awe at the sheer power you had summoned. Papyrus, standing among them jaw fell open, his orange eyelights expanding. 

His enthusiasm flickered for a moment as he glanced between the towering golems and the smaller, sleeker creatures beginning to take shape around you. Wolves, sharp and dangerous, rose from the swirling snow, their bodies were first blobs of water before solidifying into jagged, crystalline armor. 

Their eyes, glowing with that same cold, unnatural blue light, gleamed with an icy intensity that sent shivers down the spine of any who dared to watch them too closely. 

For a breathless moment, the battlefield lay still. Your creations stood beside the monsters as they watched in tense silence their awe stricken eyes flicking between your summoned army and the enemy waiting beyond. 

Across the snow-covered field, the Shadowbringer’s dark creatures stared back, their hollow, glowing eyes burning, and in the middle of it all was you and him. 

Then, without warning, the stillness shattered. The Shadowbringer’s hand flicked through the air, and with that single motion, the battlefield erupted into chaos. His creatures shot forward like dogs let off a leash their twisted, unnatural forms racing across the snow with horrifying speed. 

Their screams pierced the air, deep and guttural. It was a terrible, visceral noise reverberating through the battlefield as the shadows twisted and writhed, limbs stretching and distorting in grotesque ways as they rushed forward. 

Your heart pounded, the pulse of magic in your veins thrumming, as the ice giants groaned to life beside you, the sound like glaciers grinding against each other. Their massive forms shifted, cracking and creaking as they prepared for the inevitable clash. 

Then, with a low growl, the icy wolves leaped forward. Their paws scraped against the ground and the sound of cracking ice echoed around you as their armored bodies slammed into the advancing horde.

The clash was instant and fierce, an eruption of ice and shadow that filled the Snowdin. Your ice wolves leapt into action, their claws slicing through shadow creatures as if tearing through smoke. The creatures shrieked in response, reforming almost instantly, only to be torn apart once more.

The ice giants thundered forward, crushing shadows beneath their massive feet. A single swing from one of them sent a wave of shadow creatures scattering, their forms dissolving into mist before reforming in the distance.

However the shadows kept coming: relentless, ravenous. Tendrils of darkness lashed out, trying to ensnare your ice giants, wrapping around their legs like serpents. One giant groaned, momentarily faltering as the shadows threatened to pull it down, but with a defiant roar, it surged forward, smashing the tendrils beneath its foot.

"FOR THE UNDERGROUND!"

You turned, catching sight of Papyrus charging into the battle, his fellow monsters following his lead with a fierce battle cry that echoed across the battlefield. The monster's weapons and magic tore through the shadows. Ice wolves pounced on larger shadow creatures, their teeth ripping into them. 

Overhead, Snowdrakes swooped low, their icy breath freezing enemies solid before the Doggo and Dogaressa shattered them completely. 

But even as your allies pressed forward, your attention remained locked on the Shadowbringer. Across the battlefield, his dark eyes found yours. A faint, mocking smirk tugged at his lips, and lazily, as if bored by the fight, he flicked his wrist and summoned more shadow creatures. They rose from the ground like dark, twisted phantoms, writhing and swirling before launching themselves into the battle.

Anger crawled up your throat and with a growl you surged forward. Your sword appeared in your hand with a shimmer of blue light, the blade gleaming with the magic pulsing through you. You cut through shadow creatures as quickly as sucking in a breath, your magic answering every strike with ease. 

With a flick of your wrist, a burst of water shot forward, slicing through another creature and sending dark mist swirling into the air.

The Shadowbringer watched your approach, mirth dancing in his cold eyes. He lifted his hand, and a wall of shadows exploded up between you. You didn’t hesitate. With a shout, you summoned a massive wave, water crashing into the shadow barrier like a tempest striking the shore. The collision was deafening, water and shadow colliding in a violent explosion of energy, swirling and crackling around you both.

But you wouldn’t let up. Slicing through the dissipating mist, your magic swelled as you carved your way through the dark tendrils, gusts of water crashing aside the shadowy creature trying to block you, and as you finally reached him, his smirk faded into something more vicious, his eyes narrowing as he called a jagged black blade into existence.

You struck first, your blade colliding with his in a blinding clash of sparks and magic. The impact jolted through your arms, magic pulsing from his blade making your grip falter.

The Shadowbringer sneered, his blade grinding against yours, trying to force you back. The clash rattled your bones, but you stood firm, your teeth clenched as you matched his mocking stare with your own. 

With a grunt, you shoved him back, your swords separating with a screech of metal. You surged forward again, your sword flashing in an arc toward his side, but he was fast; too fast. His blade met yours with a resounding clang, parrying every strike you threw at him. Each of your attacks was easily deflected, as if he could predict your every move.

He swung downward suddenly, the speed of his attack catching you off-guard. You barely managed to raise your blade in time, blocking the strike. You hissed, twisting away just in time to avoid a follow-up slash. He was relentless, dark shadows swirling around him, his expression cold and detached as he moved with lethal grace forged from years of training.

His sword slashed low, aiming for your legs, but you dodged, rolling across the icy ground as shadows nibbed at your heels. Without thought, you launched a counterattack, your sword slashing through the air toward his chest. He dodged, but not fast enough, your blade nicked his arm,leaving a shallow cut. A growl escaped his lips, his eyes narrowing in fury.

Just as you take a step, pinpricks of pain erupt from your side, and you look down just in time to see a tendril coiling around you. Before you could react it wrapped around your torso, burning cold as it began to crush your ribs. A sickening crack filled your ears, and while you immediately cut it down, the damage was already done. 

Your next breath was nothing but pain, and the Shadowbringer took full advantage of this weakness, slashing at you once more. Somehow you managed to block him, but the force knocked you off balance, his next strike grazing your shoulder. The sting of the cut brought a hiss from your lips, warmth spreading across your skin as liquid seeped from the wound.

“Is that all you’ve got?” he taunted, his voice low and venomous, though the sneer on his face was edged with a grimace of pain. He clutched his arm where you’d struck him, dark magic knitting the wound together, but it was slower than before. Ignoring the pain in your side and shoulder, you narrowed your eyes at him.

“You’re slowing down.” His smile faltered, a flash of irritation flickering across his face. 

“I’m just getting started,” he snarled, summoning another wave of shadowy creatures to his side. But you weren’t backing down either. Drawing on your magic, water lifted from the snow, freezing into ice shards in less than a second. The shards hovered around you before shooting forward like arrows, aimed directly at him. He raised his sword, a barrier of shadows erupting around him to absorb the impact.

This time, you didn’t give him the chance to taunt you further and while he was distracted, you surged forward, ducking beneath his defenses and slashing toward his ribs. 

His sword met yours just in time, but your momentum sent him staggering back. His eyes widened with surprise and frustration as he struggled to regain his footing. But even as you fought with renewed ferocity, the injuries were beginning to weigh on you. Every movement sent sharp pangs through your ribs, and your shoulder throbbed with every swing of your sword. Yet, you couldn’t afford to slow down.

The Shadowbringer, too, was beginning to show signs of wear. His movements, while still precise, were slower, less fluid. His smirk was gone, replaced by a grimace as he struggled to maintain control. Blood stained his sleeve, seeping through the dark fabric as he clutched his arm. His eyes, once gleaming with cold amusement, were now narrowed, filled with nothing but hatred. 

With a cry, your chest twisted, and you summoned a torrent of water, crashing it down on him like a tidal wave. The force of it sent him skidding across the battlefield, with an exhale, you forced your feet to move rushing toward him once more. But you didn't even make it a couple steps before a massive tendril shot out from the ground, it slammed into you with bone-crushing force, sending you sprawling to the ground. 

You gasped for breath, your vision swimming as you struggled to rise. The Shadowbringer loomed over you, his blade raised high, his expression cold and merciless. But just as he moved to strike, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face, his eyes briefly meeting yours. 

And in that split second, you found your opening. With a burst of adrenaline, you rolled to the side, your sword slicing through the tendril that bound you. The Shadowbringer snarled in frustration as you lunged forward, your blade aimed at his chest.

Your blade connected, cutting through the dark fabric of his clothes and sinking deep into his side. There was a wet, sickening sound as the steel pierced through flesh and bone, the sensation reverberating up your arm. The Shadowbringer staggered back, his breath hitching in a sharp gasp that cut through the stillness around you. 

For a moment, you just stood there, chest heaving as your hands still gripping the hilt of your sword buried in his side.

His eyes, once gleaming with cruel amusement, were now wide with fury and pain and for a fleeting second, you let yourself believe that it might be over.

But that hope was dashed when a low, menacing growl escaped his throat. His hand, slick with his own blood, shot out and grabbed the hilt of your sword, holding it in place. 

You barely had time to react before his form began to shift, his body dissolving into a dark, swirling cloud of shadows. Your eyes widened in shock as his flesh seemed to unravel, black tendrils of smoke curling around your sword, devouring it like a hungry void.

Instinctively, you tried to yank your blade free, but it was too late, the shadows had consumed it, pulling it deeper into their blackened mass. The hilt slipped from your grasp, the cold metal disappearing into the swirling darkness, and before you could fully comprehend what was happening, the Shadowbringer completely vanished.

The shadows rippled and swirled around you, their presence suffocating and oppressive, blotting out the light. For a brief moment, there was nothing but the hollow echo of your own breathing, your heart thundering in your chest as you scanned the murky cloud for any sign of him. But the shadows did not remain still for long.

They shifted and coiled, and suddenly, with a sharp snap, they surged forward, lashing out toward you with the force of a whip. You barely had time to dodge, stumbling back as the tendrils of darkness swept past your face, the air hissing with their speed. 

Then, without warning, the ground beneath you darkened, and shadows erupted from the earth. You barely had time to react before the Shadowbringer materialized to your side, his eyes blazing with fury, his arm outstretched as he summoned a massive ball of dark energy.

You gritted your teeth and summoned your magic, preparing to counter as you braced yourself, summoning a shield of water and ice in front of you. But the power of his magic was far greater than you anticipated. The moment he hurled the shadow orb toward you, it struck your shield with a deafening boom, shattering it instantly.

The force of the explosion sent you flying, pain shooting through your body as you were thrown across the battlefield. You barely had time to register the impact before you slammed into the ground, skidding across the snow and ice. 

Pain exploded through your body, the air forced from your lungs as your back collided with something solid. You lay there for a moment, dazed, as the world spun around you.

Get up. Get up. You need to get up! The voice in your head screamed, repeating the mantra as you groaned, shifting to your side. Your vision blurred, your limbs heavy as you tried to push yourself up. Everything hurt: your bones ached, and the sharp sting of your injuries made it hard to breathe. 

Blood dripped from your open wounds, staining the snow beneath you a deep crimson. The cold bit into your skin, but it wasn’t enough to numb the pain.

Through your hazy vision, you saw movement.  The Shadowbringer was walking toward you, unhurried, like a predator toying with his prey. His eyes were cold, lighting up with the thrill of the hunt. The battle raged around him, monsters and shadow creatures clashed violently, but he paid them no mind.

You struggled to your feet, shaky as you wiped the blood from the corner of your mouth. Every step you took felt like a battle against your own body, but you forced yourself to stand, to face him. You couldn’t let him win. 

Just as you were about to rush toward him again, something appeared in front of you, and for a moment, you thought you were hallucinating In front of you was what looked like a floating dragon skull. The thing hovered just inches away from your face, its maw opened wide, crackling with energy. You stared at it, confusion momentarily stopping you in your tracks.

What is this thing?  Your eyes locked onto the skull, as the energy it emitted hummed against your skin, familiar in its strange way. Then recognition hit you like a wave crashing against rocks. This was Sans’ magic. Hope surged through your chest, tightening around your heart like a lifeline. The machine... Sans had done it. It's working. 

Your pulse quickened as the Shadowbringer’s laughter snapped you back to reality. He was getting closer, his magic curling around him as his grin stretched wider, but you felt no fear. Not anymore.

You glanced at him, and his grin faltered ever so slightly, sensing the shift in you. Instead of rushing toward him, you stepped back, slowly at first. Another step, then another. The Shadowbringer's grin twisted into something else, his eyes narrowing. He was watching you now, not attacking. Not yet.

"Running away, are we?" His words dripping with disdain. Your heart pounded in your chest as you spun on your heel, sending a spiraling wave of water toward him. He dodged effortlessly, his form blurring for a moment before reappearing in the same spot, untouched. But you weren’t trying to hit him, just trying to buy yourself a few more precious seconds.

You turned and bolted into the forest, your breath coming in sharp gasps as you darted through the trees. The ground beneath your feet was slick with half-melted snow, yet you forced your legs to move faster, desperate to stay ahead of him.

His magic crackled and hissed behind you, bolts of shadowy energy slicing through the air, exploding the trees with enough force to send splinters flying in every direction.

You ducked as one of his attacks hit a tree just ahead, shattering it into pieces. Shards of wood rained down, and you could feel the sting of a few hitting your skin, leaving small, sharp cuts on your arms and face. But you didn’t stop. 

The forest blurred around you, your vision narrowing to the path ahead as you weaved between the trees, desperately trying to stay out of his reach.

The strain of running was beginning to wear on you. Your lungs burned with each breath, pulling in the frigid air that stung against your throat. Your legs ached, muscles trembling with exhaustion as you pushed yourself harder.

The tendrils of water that curled around your body grew thinner, weaker, but you summoned more with every ounce of will you had left, sending them whipping back at him to meet his attacks. 

But he wasn’t letting up. His attacks came faster, more vicious, each one more precise than the last. Dark energy crackled along the ground, splintering rocks and trees alike as he closed the distance between you. 

You could feel the familiar icy cold of Snowdin slipping away as you led him deeper underground. The air was growing heavier now, clinging to your skin, weighing down each breath you took. 

Snow gave way to dark rock beneath your boots and you could feel the moisture being sucked from the air as you drew closer to the Hotlands, and with it, your power seemed to grow weaker.

A sudden snarl echoed behind you, cutting through the thick air. You barely had time to react as a shadowy blade slashed toward your side.

You twisted your body just in time, feeling the heat of his magic skim past your skin as you dodged the strike. Your breath hitched as you gathered what little water remained in the air, forming it into a round ball of liquid and launching it straight at him.

It struck him square in the chest, the force of it enough to stagger him back for a brief moment. For a fleeting second, you thought you’d gained the upper hand.

But the heat of the Hotlands was unforgiving. The water evaporated almost immediately, sizzling into mist as soon as it hit the rocky ground. The once steady flow of water that had been your strength was now no more than a trickle, dissapearing before it could even reach him.

Your legs felt like lead, every step heavier than the last, your vision blurring at the edges as exhaustion set in. With a determined grunt, you forced yourself to keep moving, stumbling forward as you continued to lead him deeper into the Hotlands.

The rocky terrain grew hotter beneath your boots, each step sending sharp pangs of heat through the soles of your feet. The Lab was just up ahead, so close now that you could see its silhouette cutting through the waves of heat rising from the ground.

However, the Shadowbringer noticed your exhaustion. His grin widened, eyes gleaming with triumph as his attacks grew even more aggressive. Dark tendrils of magic lashed out, cutting through the heated air like whips. You twisted and turned, avoiding most, but one caught you off guard. It struck you hard across the side, sending you sprawling across the rocky ground.

Pain lanced through your ribs as you hit the heated surface, the impact knocking the breath from your lungs. 

My ribs are definitely broken. You gasped for air, trying to push yourself back up, but your strength was slow to return.

The Shadowbringer loomed over you, his voice filled with cruel satisfaction. “You’re slowing down,” he sneered, watching as you struggled to your feet. “What’s wrong? Can’t handle a little heat?”

You didn’t answer. Couldn’t. Every breath felt like fire in your lungs, and your water magic responded sluggishly, trickling to your command rather than rushing as it had before. You managed to summon enough to form a weak barrier, just as his magic lashed out again, dark energy crackling through the air.

You blocked the first strike, but the second caught you across the arm, tearing through your sleeve and leaving a deep gash. The heat was unbearable now, the once sharp and fluid power of your water magic slipping further from your grasp. Your limbs trembled, your body protesting against the strain, but you couldn’t stop. Not when you were so close.

“Still standing?” His taunting voice filled your ears, and you felt the anger bubbling beneath your exhaustion. With a deep breath, you tried to resummon your sword, your palm flickering with light. You cursed under your breath, forcing more of your magic into your weapon but it didn't come. After a weapon is destroyed it took ten times more energy to replace it, something you were sure he knew. 

Before you could move, his shadows surged forward again, faster and stronger. They wrapped around your arms and legs, yanking you down. You gasped as your body hit the ground, the heat searing against your skin as you struggled against the dark tendrils coiled around your body. They constricted tighter with every breath, pressing harder against your ribs.

You grit your teeth, trying to summon the last of your energy to break free, but your body was screaming with exhaustion. Each breath of air felt heavier, each movement more strained. Desperation clawed at your chest, but just when it felt like the shadows would consume you completely, a brilliant flash of light cut through the darkness.

A glowing spear hurtled through the air, striking the Shadowbringer in the shoulder with a sickening thud. His body jerked violently as the weapon embedded itself deep into his flesh. He let out a low, guttural groan of pain, his form flickering for a moment as the shadows wavered around you. 

The dark tendrils loosened just enough for you to break free, your body stumbling forward as you scrambled to your feet. You were trembling, your breaths ragged, but you managed to look up, and what you saw filled you with a renewed surge of hope.

Undyne stood tall beside you, her one visible eye gleaming with the sharp focus of a predator on the hunt. A smug, confident grin tugged at her lips as she summoned another spear, the blue light of her magic shining brilliantly against the sweltering heat of the Hotlands.

"Looks like I arrived just in time to save your butt, huh?" she called, her voice full of the fierce, unwavering confidence that only Undyne could have. She smirked wider, her gaze locked on the Shadowbringer as she readied another attack. Her fingers tightened around her weapon, the muscles in her arms flexing as she angled her spear toward him. 

You couldn’t help but let a small smile pull at your lips, despite the burning pain radiating through your body. “About time,” you managed, your voice hoarse.

The Shadowbringer staggered back, the spear still lodged in his shoulder making his movements sluggish. His magic flickered, weakened, but still dangerous and you couldn’t afford to waste the opportunity.

While he was distracted by Undyne’s attack, you gathered all the remaining moisture you could, pulling it into a concentrated sphere before launching it at his chest. The water struck him hard, sending him stumbling back several feet, his body nearly buckling from the force.

“Come on!” you shouted to Undyne as you turned on your heel and started sprinting toward the Lab. Your legs felt like lead, every step an effort as the sweltering heat only grew more intense the closer you got to the Lab's entrance. Undyne’s expression shifted from confident to frustrated as she narrowed her eyes, clearly confused by your retreat.

“Why are we running from the fight?!” she barked.  You shook your head, barely managing to breathe through the burning in your lungs.

“He has to have some reason to follow me!” you called back, your voice strained. “If he thinks I’m scared, he’ll be more likely to take the bait.” Undyne let out a sharp huff, a small smirk curling her lips.

“Heh, your smarter than you look punk.” It wasn’t long before you reached the Lab, and the second you stepped inside, cool air blasted against for face, and you sighed.

Then, like a predator lying in wait, the shadows slithered along the ground, rising from the floor with terrifying speed. Their movements were swift, vicious, crackling with dark energy that burned your nose. You barely dodged the first strike, throwing yourself to the side as a tendril slammed into the spot where you’d just been standing, leaving a jagged gouge in the floor.

Undyne was beside you in an instant, her spear cutting through the air in a wide arc, intercepting another attack. The shadows hissed angrily as they recoiled from the contact with her magic, but they didn’t retreat for long. They lashed out again, even more ferocious than before.

Undyne’s muscles tensed beneath her armor as she swung her spear, eye blazing. The tendrils faltered under her relentless assault, but they kept coming, their speed almost unnatural, darting in and out the shadows from which they came from.

You summoned what water you could from the air, launching it in sharp bursts. You gritted your teeth as exhaustion began to creep into your limbs.

"You holding up?" Undyne shouted over her shoulder, her voice strained.

“Barely,” you managed through clenched teeth, dodging another tendril as it slashed toward your legs.

"Good!" she barked with a sharp laugh, spinning her spear to cut through yet another strike. "BECAUSE THIS FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER!"

Just as the words left her mouth, the air thickened, a sharp chill spreading through the room. The shadows coiled tighter, and the temperature seemed to drop as the Shadowbringer emerged from the darkness. 

Undyne’s grin stretched wider, her grip tightening around the shaft of her spear until her knuckles turned white. Without even hesitating, she threw herself toward him, her body a blur of motion as she charged. The roar that erupted from her throat was a guttural sound filled with fury and raw, burning hatred. Her spears flew from her hands, whistling through the air in brilliant arcs of blue. 

But he moved like smoke. His body twisted and slid between her attacks, shadows coiling and curling as he dodged, his feet barely touching the ground. Tendrils shot out in retaliation, snapping toward Undyne in less than a second. Her feet shuffled back instinctively, planting themselves as her spear swung in a wide arc, blocking the strike just in time.

“THIS IS FOR ASGORE, CREEP!” She roared, voice trembling with emotion, her arms shaking as she drove her weapon forward. Then, with a sharp, vicious slice, her spear slashed across his cheek. The blade tore through the shadowy mist of his form, leaving a jagged, deep mark that made his entire body shudder.

The flicker of pain in his eyes was fleeting, but it was there. Visible, for just a moment. The shadows that enveloped him recoiled, wavering as if disturbed by the damage. His expression twisted, lips curling into something dark and dangerous, his eyes narrowing into cold slits.

In a blink, his wrist flicked and the shadows responded instantly, surging toward her in a wave of dark energy. Undyne barely had time to react. The force slammed into her chest with a deafening crash, the impact so powerful it lifted her off her feet.

The sound of her body hitting the wall echoed through the room was an awful, sickening thud of armor and bone meeting unforgiving metal. Her spear slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor as her body crumpled in a heap, unmoving.

“UNDYNE!” Your scream tore from your throat, but the sound felt distant, drowned beneath the roar in your ears. Fury ignited inside you, searing and white-hot. Your vision blurred at the edges, every thought clouded with rage, until the only thing you could focus on was him. The Shadowbringer. The creature that had hurt your friend.

Without thinking, your legs propelled you forward, your body moving faster than your mind could catch up. The air around you thickened with magic, water gathering from every available source, swirling around your arms in sharp, jagged currents. 

You could feel the heat of it, the magic crackling in your veins, but all you knew was the blinding need to hurt him. To make him pay.

You lunged, sending the gathered water crashing into him with every ounce of strength you had. The impact was satisfying. His magic disintegrated on contact, shattering into nothing as the water surged forward, pushing him back. His shadows flickered, and for a split second, you felt the surge of hope.

But his snarl cut through the air, low and furious. His eyes locked on you filled with seething malice, and before you could react, his tendrils whipped out in a blur of motion. One struck you hard across your side, the force of it sending you flying. Your body skidded across the floor, the cold metal scraping against your skin.

Your feet scrambled as you tried to stay upright and you barely managed to land on them, legs trembling from the shock of the blow. Breathless and exhausted, you slid to a stop beside Undyne, your chest heaving as you fought to remain standing. As you brace yourself for another attack, your muscles tight, a voice cut through the battle, one you faintly recognize. 

“Fear not, darlings! Mettaton is here to save the day!” You blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A robot stepped from the shadows, tall and sleek. His body was impossibly polished, reflecting the glow of the flickering lights above.

The screen that made up his face shifted into a beaming grin, as he struck a heroic pose. One arm stretched out in front of him, fingers splayed toward the Shadowbringer as though he were commanding the very air itself, while his other hand rested confidently on his hip.

Did I hit my head too hard? Mettaton’s voice was thick with exaggerated confidence, the kind that instantly demanded attention. Even the Shadowbringer stopped, seeming baffled as he stared at the new face.

“Now, be good little heroes and run along,” he purred, casting a flamboyant wink in your direction. “I’ll handle this dastardly villain!” You blinked again, still reeling from the unexpected entrance of this... whoever he was. Still, his arrival bought you time, time you desperately needed.

“Uh... right,” you muttered, quickly turning your focus back to Undyne. She groaned as she attempted to push herself off the ground, her hands shaking against the metal floor, muscles twitching from the strain. Her face twisted in a grimace, pain flickering across her face. “Let’s go!”

You bent down beside her, reaching out to grab her arm and hoist her to her feet. Undyne’s breath came out in harsh gasps as she struggled to stand, her body trembling with effort. She gritted her teeth, one hand gripping your arm tightly for support while her legs wobbled beneath her. Her eye flicked toward the fight behind you, anger burning through the pain.

“Come on, Undyne,” you urged, relief filling you as she finally stood upright. 

“I got it…” she rasped, though the way she trembled betrayed the exhaustion she tried to hide. Her feet shuffled awkwardly beneath her, but she kept her balance, straightening with a stubbornness that was pure Undyne.

Together, you stumbled forward, moving as quickly as her weakened body would allow. Your heart pounded as you navigated the twisting halls of the Lab, the sounds of battle echoing behind you as the robot voice bounced off the walls. 

You couldn’t help but glance back, half expecting the Shadowbringer to be hot on your heels. Instead, his snarls of frustration filled the air, accompanied by the crackling clash of magic as Mettaton, somehow, held him at bay. You had no idea who this robot was or why he was so confident in taking on such a powerful enemy, but it seemed thr distraction was working.

As you you ran, you cast a glance at Undyne. Her face was stoic, but beneath that, you could see the strain. Every step seemed like an effort, her body barely holding together, but she pushed on not allowing you to slow down for a moment.

“Who the hell is that guy?” you asked, breathless from both exhaustion and confusion. Undyne let out a sharp breath, half a scoff, half a chuckle.

“Just some… annoying show-off robot.” She grunted as she stumbled over a crack in the floor, and you quickly steadied her. “But damn, I’ll take the help.” You snorted, nodding in agreement. 

Undyne's arm was draped heavily over your shoulders, each of her steps laborious and shaky. The metal underfoot echoed with every shuffle of your boots, the faint hum of the CORE in the background growing louder with each step, and when you finally stumbled into the main chamber you were tempted to collapse to the floor in relief. 

Sans and Alphys were already there as Alphys was frantically typing commands into the nearby console, her eyes wide and jittery behind her glasses. Sans stood a few feet away, looking more alert then you had ever seen him. 

The moment Sans saw you, his expression shifted, eye sockets widening slightly as he took in the bruises on your face, the shallow cuts that lined your arms, and the way your body trembled from the effort of keeping Undyne upright. He rushed toward you, his eyes briefly darting over your injuries before settling on your face.

"hey, you okay?” His bony hand rested lightly on your shoulder, and you could feel him scanning you, looking for anything you were hiding.

“I’m fine. For now,” you replied, though your voice wavered. The pain was impossible to hide as you shifted your weight, barely able to keep your knees from buckling. You gestured to the CORE with your chin. “Anything I need to know?”

Sans’s eye flashed to the machine, then back to you, as he stepped closer,his voice lowering, “yeah. If you get caught in the pull you'll go in the machine right along with him, so when it’s time, i’m gonna flip the switch and teleport us outta here. No way I’m lettin’ you get caught in this mess. I’ll make sure it’s just the Shadowbringer who gets sucked in.”

Before you could respond, a quiet groan escaped Undyne as she shifted her weight. Her legs wobbled, and you tightened your grip on her arm, trying to keep her steady. The movement caught Alphys’s attention, and she instantly rushed forward, abandoning her place at the console.

“U-Undyne!” Alphys gasped, her eyes wide with concern. She knelt beside you both, her hands hovering awkwardly over Undyne’s arm as though afraid to touch her for fear of making it worse. 

“Are you… are you okay? I-I didn’t think you’d-" Undyne grunted, trying to straighten up, but her knees buckled beneath her and you followed her to the ground. She gave a weak chuckle, her lips pulling into a pained grin as she looked at Alphys.

“Heh… didn’t think you cared that much,” she rasped, voice strained but teasing. Alphys’s face flushed with a mixture of panic and something softer. Her hand found its way to Undyne’s cheek, hesitant but full of worry.

“Of course, I care! You idiot… I-I’ve always cared. I just-” Her voice cracked, and she quickly swiped a hand over her eyes, shaking her head. “You’re so reckless…” Undyne’s smirk softened, the fire in her single eye dimming just enough to reveal the emotion underneath. Her hand moved, slow and shaky, but it found Alphys’s, and she squeezed it lightly.

“Alphys… I’ve loved you from the beginning, y’know?” she muttered, her voice softer than you've ever heard it, “You’re the smartest… dorkiest scientist I know.” For a moment, the chaos seemed to blur, fading into the background as the two locked eyes.

Undyne’s pain was there, but so was a fierce affection that lit up her face in a way that no injury could dim. Alphys blinked rapidly, her face reddening as she stammered something incoherent, but her hand didn’t leave Undyne’s.

But the moment didn't last long.  A low, cold laugh echoed through the chamber, freezing the blood in your veins. You stiffened, instinctively stepping between the sound and the others as the Shadowbringer materialized from the darkness. The sound of metal scraping against metal cut through the air like nails on a chalkboard, and your stomach twisted in horror.

Dragging behind him was Mettaton. More accurately, Mettaton’s head. The sleek, polished surface was now marred with deep gouges, wires sparking and dangling from the neck. His once gleaming screen flickered erratically, a lifeless, cracked eye barely clinging to its former brightness.

The Shadowbringer held the robot by the mangled remains of his neck, metal screeching as he dragged him across the floor, each step punctuated by that terrible, visceral sound. A trail of oil, like blood, marked the path behind him, dark and sickeningly thick.

“Pathetic attempt to slow me down,” the Shadowbringer sneered, tossing Mettaton’s head to the side with a casual flick. It clattered to the floor, rolling once before coming to a halt, the dim light from the screen fading into nothing. 

“Breaking the robot wasn’t even worth the effort.” Undyne, despite her weakened state, staggered in front of Alphys, her spear materializing in her trembling hand.

“Stay behind me,” she hissed, not taking her eye off the Shadowbringer. The Shadowbringer’s gaze shifted toward you, and for a moment, a flicker of something crossed his face, and his grin widened, his hands falling behind his back.

“Quite fascinating, really,” he drawled, taking a step closer. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve been trying to lure me here.” Your heart skipped a beat, but your face remained stoic. 

Though, he could see it in your eyes and his attention flicked to the CORE, then back to you, and his grin twisted into something darker, more sinister.

"Ah," he mused. "You know, I can feel the power radiating from this machine... What exactly is it you thought this would accomplish?" He took a step closer to the CORE, his form towering over the humming machinery as he tilted his head. "Were you hoping to destroy me with it? No…" He let out a chuckle, the sound echoing off the cold, metal walls.

"You're too weak to kill me. Too afraid."

The weight of his words pressed down on you like a crushing force. Your heart hammered in your chest, the air suddenly feeling too thick, too heavy. A sickening dread settled in your stomach, twisting and tightening with every step he took closer to the machine. 

He knows Your body tensed, muscles coiling with the urge to act, but your feet felt rooted to the floor. He let out another low, dark laugh.

"Whatever your plan was, it ends here." Before you could scream a warning, his hand shot out, black tendrils of shadow exploding from his fingertips, twisting and writhing toward the CORE.

"Stop him!" The words tore from your throat. "Don’t let him—"

But it was too late.

It slammed into the CORE with a violent force, and the room erupted in chaos. The hum of the machine turned into a screech of grinding metal, the whirring energy that once pulsed steadily now flickering in wild, unpredictable bursts. 

Sparks flew in every direction, the blinding light flashing through the chamber. The sharp crackle of electricity buzzed through the air, and the acrid stench of burning wires stung your nose.

The ground beneath you trembled violently, a low, rumbling quake shaking the lab as if it, too, were recoiling from the Shadowbringer’s assault. 

You stumbled, your legs barely holding you up as the floor buckled beneath your feet. The machine groaned under the strain, its intricate mechanisms failing, sputtering, and sparking as the dark magic tore through its core.

Undyne, let out a furious battle cry. Her eye burning, despite the blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. With a forceful push, she surged forward, summoning a barrage of spears from thin air.

"DIE YOU BASTARD!" she roared. The spears shot toward him, but he was ready. With a flick of his wrist, the shadows lashed out again, grabbing the spears mid-flight and effortlessly snapping them in half.

"Pitiful," he sneered. Your stomach lurched as the Shadowbringer advanced on the CORE, his shadows spreading like ink, consuming everything they touched. You clenched your fists, your heart pounding in your ears as you felt the sting of helplessness settle in.

“Undyne!” you shouted, trying to steady your voice despite the overwhelming dread tightening in your chest. "You need to grab Alphys abs get out of here, now!"

Undyne's jaw clenched, her muscles taut as she struggled to rise again, ready to charge. But the strain of the fight was wearing on her, every movement slower, more labored. So instead of fighting, she stood, staggering in front of Alphys and placing herself between her and the machine. 

"Come on!" she growled under her breath.

Alphys looked conflicted as she clung to Undyne's arm. "B-but the CORE! It’s-it’s gonna-" Before she could finish, the CORE emitted another screech of tearing metal, a huge arc of electricity exploding from its side. The entire lab shook, and the lights overhead flickered, threatening to go out entirely.

The Shadowbringer, undeterred, raised his hand once more but suddenly stopped. Sans’s eye socket flared with a brilliant blue light. 

The air crackled with power as he raised a hand toward the Shadowbringer, his left socket blazing with that same unnatural hue. The Shadowbringer's chest glowed and he barely had time to move before he was launched backward into the wall. 

The Shadowbringer staggered to his feet, brushing off the debris with a look of grudging respect. His lips curled into a slow, dark grin as he narrowed his eyes at Sans. 

“I’m surprised,” he admitted. “You’re more powerful than I thought.”

“don't go gettin' too attached," Sans interrupted, voice as casual as ever. He popped his knuckles lazily, unfazed as he shoots him a grin. "You might say I’ve got a bone to pick with you.” The Shadowbringer’s grin faltered, his eyes narrowing further.

“You think this is a game?”

“nah, but I am pretty good at dodging,” Sans replied with a wink before vanishing in a flash of blue light. The Shadowbringer’s shadows lashed out, tendrils snapping toward where Sans had stood just a moment before. But Sans reappeared behind him, launching a volley of sharp, glowing bones that shot through the air like a bullet. 

The Shadowbringer growled in frustration, his tendrils flailing wildly as he tried to strike Sans from every angle. Sans, teleported effortlessly out of the way each time and with every flicker of blue light, he was gone, reappearing behind the Shadowbringer or at his side, launching more bone attacks, that even the Shadowbringer couldn't dodge. 

Their fight became a blur of movement and every time the Shadowbringer thought he had Sans cornered, the skeleton would slip out of his grasp, his grin only widening with every dodge.

“you really oughta chill out,” Sans quipped, narrowly avoiding a particularly vicious swipe. "you're startin' to lose your cool." The Shadowbringer’s snarl deepened, his tendrils whipping faster, more erratic, feeding off his growing irritation.

“You are testing my patience skeleton!” Sans teleported again, reappearing behind him with a chuckle.

"good thing patience is a virtue, huh?" But the Shadowbringer was done playing. With a snarl, he unleashed a powerful strike, a tendril coiling like a serpent before lashing out with terrifying speed. This time, Sans was a fraction too slow.

The magic slammed into his side, the force of the impact sending him flying across the room. He crashed into Alphys and Undyne, the three of them tumbling into a tangled heap on the ground.

"Sans!" you shouted. Alphys scrambled to her feet, crawling out from underneath the pile as she pushed her glasses up her nose, her face pale.

"Th-the CORE!" she gasped, her voice trembling with panic. "It’s destabilizing! If he keeps this up-" A deafening crack echoed through the room as the Shadowbringer’s dark energy struck the CORE with a violent blast. The machine groaned under the strain, sparks flying from its damaged surface.

The steady hum of the machine faltered, sputtering and coughing, as though it were on the verge of tearing itself apart. Alphys’s hands flew to the console, much to Undyne's protests, her fingers moving frantically across the buttons. 

"I-I’m trying to stabilize it, but the magic’s too unstable! If we can’t stop it, it’s going to create a wormhole, a massive one! It could take out the entire Underground!" You paled as ground beneath you trembled, the walls vibrating from the energy building in the room.

Your eyes shot to the Shadowbringer, who stood at the center of the chaos, his lips curling into a cruel grin as the CORE continued to shudder and spark. His tendrils wrapped tighter around the machine, feeding more and more dark energy into it. 

Without a second thought, you charged at him, your body moving on pure instinct. You slammed into him with all your strength, tackling him to the ground. The impact knocked him off balance, but even as you struggled to pin him down, his shadows coiled and writhed beneath you, fighting back,. 

“You think you can stop me?” he hissed, his voice cold and venomous as he tried to shove you off. His shadows lashed at you, grazing your skin. But you held on, your muscles screaming with the effort.

From behind you, you could hear Alphys shouting. “I-I can’t stop it! The machine’s going to- ” The ground beneath your feet trembled, as though the very foundation of the lab was being torn apart. 

Every nerve in your body screamed to move, but you pushed it down, your jaw ticking as the Shadowbringer tried to escape. Each strike sent waves of pain coursing through your body, but you gritted your teeth, your grip on the Shadowbringer tightening. You couldn’t let him reach the machine.

The whine of the failing circuits grew louder, and you could feel the air thickening with the unstable energy of the forming wormhole. It pulsed like a living thing, an expanding mass of white light threatening to devour everything. Your eyes widened, your chest twisting. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Now. Because of you, everyone was going to die. 

As time seemed to slow your mind drifted back to Frisk and Papyrus. They had believed in you, given you their faith and hope. The realization hit you like a wave, crashing over you. You had promised to protect them, and you had failed.  

The air around you felt thick, as your eyes found Sans, and when your eyes met his, it was as though the entire world fell away, leaving just the two of you suspended in time. It was then you knew, with an undeniable certainty, what you had to do. San's eyelights widened, as your eyes glowed a deep blue, and his permanent smile fell. 

"don’t you even think about it!" he shouted, raw fear creeping into his voice in a way you hadn't heard before. Your chest tightened, heart hammering against your ribs as you pulled in a shuddering breath. Your magic flared, your breath coming out in a white cloud, your veins burned, your magic pulling on the last of your reserves. 

"I'm sorry," you whispered; His sockets widened, the blue flame in his socket flaring. With trembling hands, you pressed your palms against the cold, trembling ground. Summoning your magic from deep within, you felt the water in the air shift, the moisture gathering and swirling in response to your call. It built, gaining momentum, a vortex of shimmering blue that pulsed around you like a heartbeat. 

The Shadowbringer snarled beneath you, shadows writhing with renewed fury as he realized what you were doing. His tendrils lashed out harder, desperate to break free, but you pushed down with all your might, ignoring the sharp pain that erupted through your body with each hit. Y

"no!" Sans’s voice broke through again, piercing and frantic, but you couldn’t stop. Not now, and with a final, guttural cry, you released the magic.

The ground beneath you shook as a wall of ice surged upward. The ice grew taller, thicker, stretching between you and your friends. The ice surged and twisted around you and the machine, forming a gleaming sphere that began to solidify into back ice. The ice continued to build, closing in on all sides, sealing you the machine, and the Shadowbringer himself, into a shimmering, impenetrable prison

The cold bit at your skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache in your chest. On the other side of the wall, you could hear your friends' muffled shouts, confusion, fear, and desperation. Sans's voice rose above them, frantic and pained as he shouted your name.

The Shadowbringer bucked beneath you, shadows writhing like snakes, but you held firm. Ice spread from your hands, crawling over his body, freezing him in place. His movements slowed, the dark magic he wielded flickering as the cold wrapped tighter around him, layer after layer of ice encasing his form.

"Fool," he hissed, his voice strained and choked as the ice closed around him. "You'll be taken too." Tears pricked the corners of your eyes, but you blinked them away.

"So be it." you murmured, your voice barely audible over the roar of the building wormhole. Behind you, the machine let out a deafening crack, the light from the wormhole now blinding as it expanded. The world around you was a blur, but your focus locked onto one thing. Sans.

His voice, raw and broken, pierced through the noise, the desperate edge to it cutting deep into your soul  “NO! you can’t do this!” His voice, usually so steady, so detached, was unrecognizable in its panic.

His fists pounded against the ice wall, the solid surface keeping him from reaching you. His form glitched, magic flickering around him as he tried in vain to teleport to you, but the energy from the machine was so unstable that even his power was failing. 

“please,” his voice cracked. “i need you." You squeezed your eyes shut, the heat behind them painful. Your body was numb now. Even as the Shadowbringer’s relentless shadows struck you, the pain barely registered anymore. You were beyond feeling, every nerve in your body dulled. 

Frisk... Papyrus... Their faces flickered briefly in your mind, Frisk’s soft smile, Papyrus’s laugh, and for a moment, your heart ached. You wished you could see them again, hear their voices, share one more second together. The machine sputtered violently, the light growing more intense, and you knew you didn’t have much time.

Taking a shuddering breath, you turned back toward Sans. Through the thickening ice, his silhouette was faint, distorted by the light and magic swirling around you. But his eyelights, were still so clear, filled with a grief that mirrored her own.

“Sans,” you whispered, voice barely audible over the roar of the vortex and you weren't sure if he could hear you. The tears you had fought so hard to suppress welled up, spilling over as you pressed your hand against the ice. “You gave me a home… you gave me a family.”

He was pounding against the wall with everything he had, but his strikes slowed, his hand shadowing yours. His mouth moved, forming words you couldn’t hear, but you knew. Knew he was begging you to stop, to not leave him, to find another way.

“So let me protect it,” you continued, voice trembling as your throat tightened. “Even if it means… I have to say goodbye.” A weak, broken smile tugged at your lips, though it hurt more than anything to do it. You could barely see through your tears now, but it didn’t matter. You had made your choice.

The light behind you grew blinding, and as the warmth of it surged over you, you felt an odd sense of peace. It was ironic, really, that it would end like this, so much like how it had all begun. 

The world trembled as the vortex howled louder, pulling at you, and tugging you closer to the machine’s core. Your fingers went slack, releasing their hold on the frozen Shadowbringer, and your eyes fluttered shut. The cold was gone now, replaced by a warmth that seeped into your bones.

As the light engulfed you, you thought of Sans, of Frisk, of Papyrus. Of the friends you had made, the bonds you had forged. And even though your heart ached, there was peace too.

“Thank you,” you whispered.

And then, everything went dark.

Chapter Text

Arc Two: Thunder 

"It did not kill me, and it did not make me stronger. It simply was, and always will be, a part of me."

A simple sound stirred you from unconsciousness. At first, it was muffled, barely a whisper against the ringing in your ears. But then, it grew clearer. You realized then it was a voice, one you faintly recognized.  

A low groan slipped through your cracked, dry lips as you fought to move, instinct driving your body before your mind could catch up. Your muscles screamed in protest, sluggish and unresponsive, as though your limbs were covered in oil. Every breath felt like it had to claw its way free, scraping through your chest and bringing a faint flicker of pain with it. You tried to sit up, to push through the fog, but your body didn’t obey. Your wrists burned as you gave a weak tug, metal biting into your skin.

Straps. Your mind caught up to your surroundings in a slow, horrifying crawl. Straps held your wrists and ankles in place, the cold leather tight around your chest, pinning you against the hard surface beneath you. The more you tried to struggle, the more your panic began to surface, but a wave of fatigue crushed it before it could grow.

Wait...Where am I?

Your vision swam, nothing more than a distorted blur of color; smudges of yellow, red, and black hovered just out of reach, a twisted, shifting mess that made your stomach lurch. You blinked hard, desperate to clear the fog, to focus, but your senses were dulled, drowned by exhaustion. You squinted, forcing your eyes to focus on the yellow smudge closest to you. Suddenly, the voice pierced through your thoughts again, clearer this time.

"Oh Goody! You're... you're not dead!" It was Alphys, or at least, it sounded like her. The familiar stammer was there, the awkward nervousness you knew, and for a moment you felt an overwhelming sense of relief. 

“Alphys...?” you whispered, voice raspy with unuse. The blurs slowly began to take shape, your vision sharpening just enough to make out more details. The yellow smudge became clearer, short, hunched, and undeniably Alphys. Her eyes gleamed behind her glasses, but the warmth you were used to wasn’t there. Instead, there was a strange, unsettling look to them. 

"Now isn't this fascinating?" she said, and there was no trace of the usual shyness you had grown to expect. Her grin was sharp, her stare almost predatory as she peered down at you like a specimen under a microscope. Your heart pounded harder, and you blinked again, your throat tightening. 

This isn’t… right. 

You swallowed the lump forming in your throat, trying to steady your breathing, but the air felt thick like it barely reached your lungs. Alphys stood there and you couldn't recognize her. It was like someone wearing her face, but it didn’t fit. The way she moved, the way she looked down at you, her eyes gleaming behind her glasses in a way you’d never seen before, it sent a chill crawling up your spine.

Panic tightened in your chest, the confusion in your head starting to clear enough for memories to slip through; the battle, your friends, the machine. You remembered it now, the feeling of your soul being torn apart for them. For everyone. You shouldn’t be here. None of this should be happening. And yet here you were, strapped down and helpless.

“How do you know my name?” The monster wondered, her fingers tapped against the metal table, claws scraping lightly with a head-piercing screech. “I don’t like puzzles,” she muttered under her breath, eyes narrowing behind her glasses. “But I will figure you out.”

You tried to sit up, a desperate move, but the bindings pulled tight against your wrists, burning your skin. The leather bit into your chest as you strained, your breath coming in ragged gasps. The harder you pulled, the more panic clawed at the edges of your mind.

Alphys didn’t seem to care. Her smile widened, unnerving in its lack of sympathy, her sharp teeth peeking out from behind her lips. She leaned in closer, eyes flicking over your face as if you were some kind of specimen. The heat of her breath brushed against your cheek, making you flinch.

"Hmmm... I’ll figure it out soon enough,” she whispered, her voice almost playful now. “What makes you tick." Her claws tapped against the table once more, before she stepped back, eyeing you with a twisted kind of amusement.

Tick? You couldn’t stop the shudder that passed through you, your body shrinking back as far as the restraints would allow as your stomach churned with rising dread.

“You were quite a sight, you know,” she continued, her voice a little louder now as she moved to a nearby control panel, her back turned to you. “I found you and your little friend all beat up in front of the CORE. Frozen, half-dead, and absolutely covered in all sorts of cuts and bruises" 

Alphys kept talking, not noticing how you stiffened, your face pale at the mention of the CORE. “I was just going to let you both die on my lab floor.” She shrugged, nothing more than indifferent. “But then I checked your souls… and what do you know?” She turned slightly, looking over her shoulder at you with a wicked grin.

"You're full of magic. And that… well, that's something I can use." Your breath hitched, the feeling of ice flooding your veins as you stared at her in disbelief. Her expression had twisted into something manic, almost deranged. 

"So, I healed you up. Lucky, huh?" Her voice took on a sing-song quality like this was some twisted game she was enjoying. She was humming now, actually humming, as if this situation amused her. "A-and now that you’re awake, I can start preparing those experiments." The word hit like a punch to the gut. Your stomach churned violently, bile rising in the back of your throat as the room seemed to tilt for a moment.

"Experiments?" The word left your lips as a shaky whisper. You could barely recognize your own voice through the rush of panic. Your hands clenched into fists by your sides, nails biting into your palms. The sting of betrayal pierced deeper than any physical wound ever could. This wasn’t the Alphys you had fought alongside. This was a stranger, not the monster you had grown to love.

"Let me go," you demanded. Alphys simply turned to face you, a crazed laugh escaping her lips. It was hollow and broken, her shoulders shaking as if she found this entire thing entertaining.

"You think I’m going to let you walk out of here? No." She wiped at her eyes, still chuckling. The sound was chilling, more unhinged than you could’ve imagined. "That's not going to happen."

Her hand hovered over a button on the control panel in front of her, fingers twitching as if she could hardly contain her excitement. Her eyes gleamed with a manic light as she looked at you, almost like a child who had just been handed a new toy. "But, don’t worry. This part will be fun. At least for me."

You didn’t have time to react. The moment her finger pressed down on the button, you felt a sickening jolt as the table you were strapped to shifted. The restraints around your wrists and ankles clicked open, but instead of releasing you to freedom, you felt yourself sliding downward. Gravity pulled at you, and with a shout of surprise, you were sent tumbling into a pit.

The floor beneath you opened wide, and you plummeted through the darkness. Air rushed past you, the cold biting at your skin as you struggled to orient yourself. You braced for impact, your body twisting instinctively to absorb the fall. You hit the ground hard, pain exploding through your legs as they buckled under the force. A grunt tore from your throat as you stumbled, barely managing to catch yourself before your knees hit the cold, unforgiving floor.

The metallic clang of the ceiling sealing above you echoed ominously through the space, leaving you alone in suffocating silence. You stood there for a moment, your breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. Your legs throbbed with pain from the impact, but you barely registered it. All you could think about was the horror of what had just happened.

Alphys had betrayed you. And now you were trapped.

Your eyes darted around the small, dimly lit cell, the cold causing goosebumps to travel down your arm. Your heart raced as you tried to focus, to make sense of your surroundings. But the fear gnawing at your chest made it difficult to think clearly.

And then, you saw him.

You would've recognized him from anywhere, even hidden in the shadows as he was. He was slumped against the far wall, frail and battered, his clothes torn and stained with dried blood and dirt. Bruises and cuts covered his skin, painting him in shades of dark purples and reds.

The Shadowbringer.

Your breath hitched again, and instinctively, your fingers twitched, reaching for your magic. But nothing came. The Shadowbringer’s head tilted slightly, his eyes barely open, but they flicked towards you. His lips curled into a weak, mocking smile. Even in his weakened state, the cruel amusement never left his dark eyes.

“Well, isn’t this... interesting,” he rasped, his voice low and hoarse from disuse.

Your blood ran cold at the sound of his voice as you took an unconscious step back, your eyes narrowing. You tried to summon your magic again, your muscles tensing in an effort to feel something. To feel the familiar, icy chill, the pulse of water under your skin, but there was nothing. It was like grasping at air, your magic as unreachable as the stars in the sky.

Panic flared, sharp and cutting, and your hand flew to your chest. Your fingers pressed hard against your skin, but still, you were met with nothing but an empty hollowness. Across the cell, the Shadowbringer’s gaze sharpened, watching you a cold, amused glint. His smirk widened, a bitter scoff escaping his lips.

"Your element isn’t going to work here. I wouldn't bet on it coming back anytime soon either," he added. He shifted, wincing slightly as he sat up, his body stiff and battered. Every movement looked painful, as let out a soft grunt, glancing down at the torn fabric of his clothes, a sneer twisting his lips. 

"Looks like you’re all healed up.” He gave you a quick, almost disdainful glance, eyeing you up and down before scoffing again. “Can’t say the same for me. Though, I guess that makes sense. You were on the brink of death when I was finished with you. I really did a number on you, didn’t I?” When you didn't respond he continued, seeing the question forming in your eyes.

“A week,” he answered, dragging out the words like they meant nothing. “I’ve been here a week. No magic. No abilities. Nothing." Your eyes widened, confusion flashing across your face. 

“A week?” you echoed, your voice barely above a whisper. The Shadowbringer leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, eyes never leaving yours.

“Yeah. A week,” he drawled. "When I finally thawed, I was strapped to one of those tables. Poked and prodded like some kind of lab rat." His hands clenched into fists, muscles tensing, and for a moment, a flicker of something darker passed across his face. “I tried everything. Tried to use my abilities, to escape. But nothing came. I was… powerless.”

There it was. That crack in his mask. For the briefest second, you could see it; the vulnerability, the rage at having been reduced to nothing. The very idea of it seemed to disgust him, to twist him inside. His shoulders were tense, his body stiff as he fought against the memory, as though the helplessness was enough to send him spiraling into fury.

You swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. The sight of him like this was disorienting. “Did she, did Alphys, do something to suppress our abilities?” Your voice was quiet, barely audible, and you weren’t sure you even wanted to hear the answer.

His eyes snapped back to yours, the corners of his lips curling. “That little scientist of yours? Who knows.” He leaned back against the cold metal wall. “You’ve got some demented friends.” Anger flared hot in your chest, your hands curling into fists at your sides, your nails biting into your palms.

“She isn’t my friend,” you spat, the words coming out sharper than you intended. “At least… not this version of her.” But even as you said it, doubt crept in, the uncertainty in your voice clear.

The Shadowbringer’s gaze sharpened, and for a long moment, he just stared at you, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, that mocking smile returned, curling the edges of his mouth in a way that made your stomach churn. “Is that what you're telling yourself?" he asked softly, his voice laced with something almost… pitying. “That the monster up there with the same name and face as your little friend isn’t the one you know?”

He clicked his tongue, shaking his head slightly. “How pathetic.” You wanted to argue, to shout that he was wrong, but the words wouldn’t come. 

“Ah,” he murmured, leaning forward again, his eyes narrowing as he studied your face. “I see it now.” His voice was smooth, cutting through the silence like a blade. “You’re so naive. Always were, weren’t you? Always seeing the good in everyone. Even when it’s staring you in the face, plain as day, that they’re not who you think they are.”

He paused, his smirk widening as his stare bore into you. “You can keep telling yourself that this isn’t the Alphys you know. But deep down, you know the truth, don’t you?” You clenched your jaw so hard it felt like your teeth might crack. The doubt crawling up your spine was suffocating, and you forced yourself to breathe.

“I’m not naive,” you hissed, and your eyes locked onto his as your brows furrowed. “I know that is not Alphys. She would never do something like this."

The Shadowbringer leaned back against the cold stone wall, folding his arms lazily across his chest, the corners of his mouth lifting up into a condescending smirk. His stare slid over you, scrutinizing every twitch, every flicker of emotion, as if savoring how much his words had gotten underneath your skin.

“Sure.” His voice was soft, almost too calm, but it grated against your nerves like nails on metal.

“Alphys didn’t just suddenly become evil,” you shot back. “Something else is going on. This… this isn’t her.” He cocked an eyebrow, the disbelief on his face obvious.

“Oh?” he said, his voice dripping with mock curiosity like he was toying with some fragile prey. “Then enlighten me, hero. What’s happening to your precious friend?”

Your throat tightened as if the very question had wrapped its hands around your neck. What was happening? This wasn’t Alphys; not the one you knew, not the one who’d been your friend. The version that stood before you, who had laughed as she locked you in this metal cage, who spoke of your pain as if it was an interesting experiment, was someone you didn’t recognize.

“I…” You faltered. There was nothing to say. You had no answers and the Shadowbringer let out a low, satisfied laugh. 

"That’s what I thought.” 

“You’re wrong,” you muttered, though you weren’t sure if you were trying to convince him or yourself. The anger churned inside you, hot and desperate, and you stormed toward the metal bars of the cell. The cold steel met your skin, and you pulled, rattling them in vain. The sound echoed through the room, but the bars didn’t budge. 

From behind you, the Shadowbringer’s laugh cut through the air like a whip. “Oh wow,” he drawled. “Brilliant. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Truly, a master plan.” You whipped around to face him, your glare so sharp it could cut.

“Shut up,” you spat through gritted teeth, but the venom in your words only seemed to fuel his amusement further. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as if he were watching a show, his eyes twinkling.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he mocked, raising his hands in a gesture of mock surrender, though the smirk never left his face. “Did I touch a nerve? Poor, poor hero, always so persistent, always so hopeful. But look at you now.” His gaze flicked up and down, “You don’t look so invincible anymore, do you?”

“You get a sick thrill out of this, don’t you?” You turned fully to face him now, crossing your arms tightly against your chest as you stared him down. “Watching people suffer. It’s the only thing that gives you a sense of control.”

For just a fleeting second, his smirk faltered, his lips twitching into a frown, and his eyes darkened. But it was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared. The cocky grin returned, though now there was a subtle tightness to it, like he was forcing it to stay in place.

“Is that your deep psychological analysis of me?” he said easily. But you knew better. He was pretending your words didn’t get to him, and so you continued, a sort of satisfaction filling you at seeming him squirm.

“I’m just calling it like I see it.” Your voice was calm, cool even. You studied his reaction, noticing how his body shifted, how the smirk no longer seemed so smug. “You can’t stand being powerless. So you're trying to make yourself feel powerful by snapping at me. It’s pathetic.”

His jaw clenched visibly, the muscles tensing beneath his skin. Even though he quickly tried to hide it behind another taunting grin, the way his fists tightened at his sides gave him away. The smirk was a mask, one that was slipping.

“Keep telling yourself that,” he growled, his voice low and cold, as if the words were a warning. You knew he hated feeling cornered like this, hated that you could see through him, even if just a little.

You didn’t respond, but your silence spoke volumes. There was no point in arguing further, not about this, not with him. He wasn’t fooling anyone. His mockery, the biting sarcasm, the insults; it was all a front. Underneath it all, he was furious. Furious at being here, at being trapped, at the vulnerability that gnawed at him like a raw wound.

And as much as you despised him, you couldn’t deny that being in the same situation as him made everything feel... complicated. You were both stuck in this place, imprisoned in a situation neither of you wanted. That unspoken connection lingered between the both of you, as much as you wished it didn’t. 

You turned your attention back to the metal bars of the cell, your mind racing. You had been sucked into the CORE; or at least, that’s what should’ve happened. But instead of the void, instead of endless nothingness, you found yourself back Underground. It didn’t make sense. You should've been trapped, or worse dead, soul shattered into pieces. Yet here you were, breathing, standing, and trapped all the same.

“The CORE,” you muttered under your breath, barely loud enough to hear yourself. A thought clawed its way to the front of your mind, not quite complete, but it was something. Your fellow prisoner caught the whispered words and his eyes narrowed.

“The CORE?” He straightened slightly, his predatory gaze locking onto you. "What's that?” You hesitated, your throat tightening. He didn’t deserve to know, but you knew it was a secret he'd figure out eventually. His stare was intense, unblinking as if he could pull the answers from your mind without you even speaking.

“It’s...” You paused, your fingers tightening around the bars as you tried to gather your thoughts. How much should you tell him? How much did he already know? “It’s a massive energy source. The heart of everything down here. It... powers the Underground. Or it used to.” With a resigned sigh, you leaned your back against the cold steel bars. “It’s the machine that we got sucked into. The one we were going to use to trap you.”

He didn’t interrupt, so you shot him a quick glance, gauging his reaction before continuing.  We thought that when you got sucked into it, your soul would shatter into pieces trapping you in a void. That was the plan.” For a brief moment, his expression flickered, his eyebrow slightly raising in surprise.

“Shatter my soul, huh? Wow, that’s brutal,” he said, leaning back slightly as if he found the whole situation mildly entertaining. He let out a low whistle, shaking his head with exaggerated disbelief. “What did I do to deserve that?”

 You stared at him blankly, your voice cold. “You tried to kill me and my friends. Multiple times.” Your words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of you moved. His smirk slightly faltered and though the smile still lingered on his lips it didn't reach his eyes.

“Fair point,” he said with a casual shrug, as if you were talking about something as mundane as the weather. Silence fell between you again, heavy and tense, like the air before a storm. You could feel the weight of his eyes on you, studying you, but you refused to look at him. Instead, you kept your eyes trained on the floor, fingers tapping absently against the bars behind you as your mind churned with thoughts of the machine, of what had happened.

Then, out of nowhere, the Shadowbringer spoke again, less biting this time. “Could be part of why we can’t feel our elemental magic anymore,” he mused, his voice low as if he were piecing things together himself. He glanced at you from the corner of his eye, watching for your reaction. “If that machine does what you said... it’s plausible it managed to temporarily drain our magic to fuel itself.”

You blinked at him caught off guard. It was strange to hear him talk like this, almost like he was trying to have an actual conversation with you, instead of just throwing insults at you.

“That... could be it,” you admitted reluctantly, though the idea of agreeing with him made you feel uneasy. It was logical, though. The machine had been designed to contain immense power, and maybe, in trapping you both, it had drawn from your elemental abilities. That would explain why you felt so... empty. Almost drained.

Another awkward silence stretched between you, and you couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. The hostility was still there, but it had softened, if only slightly. He shifted, crossing his arms over his chest as his attention flickered from you to the bars and back again. 

He cleared his throat, almost as if he wasn’t sure what to say next and when he spoke again, his voice had lost some of its usual edge, replaced by a strange, almost forced casualness. “So... I wonder how’re your little friends doing. Frisk, the skeleton monsters... they must be really missing you.”

The mention of Frisk and the skeleton brothers hit you harder than you expected. A pang of sadness stabbed at your chest, sharp and sudden, as memories of your friends flashed through your mind. You could still see Frisk’s small smile, snort at Sans’s puns, and hear Papyrus's laugh. Not seeing them felt unbearable in that moment, and the realization that you might never see them again crushed you.

Your throat tightened, and you shut down the conversation before it could go any further. “Don’t,” you said sharply. You turned your head away from him, your fingers tightening around the bars behind you until your knuckles turned white. “Just... don’t talk about them.”

He watched you for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly, and though he didn’t care about your feelings, something he's made abundantly clear, he didn’t press the matter. For once, he remained silent, offering no sarcastic remark, no mocking jab. You glanced at him, then turned your attention back to the barren prison you were trapped in.

There had to be something, some detail you were missing. Your fingers drummed impatiently on the bars. What could I use? The room was bare, no obvious weaknesses, no visible vents or grates that could serve as an escape route. The Shadowbringer watched you, speaking once more.

“You know, there’s no point in wasting your energy. If there was a way out, don’t you think I’d have found it by now?” You ignored him, scanning the room once more. Every corner, every wall and it was then, something caught your attention.

A faint glimmer of light. You narrowed your eyes and tilted your head slightly, focusing on the upper corner of the room. It was a small camera, barely noticeable, but definitely there. You straightened up, your heart skipping a beat as an idea formed in your mind.

“Look,” you said, nodding your head toward the camera. “There’s a camera.”

The Shadowbringer didn't even look, rolling his eyes. “Yeah, it's been there since I woke up.” He leaned back further, seemingly bored. “So what? You just noticing it now?”

You ignored him, your thoughts racing. The camera meant someone was watching. Maybe Alphys, maybe someone else, but it didn’t matter. Whoever it was, they were paying attention to you. And that gave you a tiny sliver of hope and while it wasn’t much, it was something.

“That means someone’s watching us,” you said, your lips lifting. He lifted an eyebrow, looking at you as if you were stupid. 

"Yes,” he said slowly, as though speaking to a child. “That’s how cameras work.” His sarcasm didn’t faze you and you waved him off,

“Yeah, and if we can figure out a way to manipulate that, we might be able to use it to our advantage.” He watched you for a moment longer, his head tilted slightly as he stared at you. There was a flicker of something in his expression, not quite interest, but something close.

“You’ve got a plan?” he asked.

“Maybe,” you replied. You let out a slow breath, your heart pounding, before turning back to face him. “But it’s going to require us to work together. Can you handle that?”

He let out a soft chuckle, his lips curling into that familiar smirk. “Oh, I’m not the one who usually has trouble playing nice,” he said, eyes narrowing. “The question is... can you?” You refused to be baited by his words, even as they grated against your nerves. Stepping closer to the bars, you gripped them a little tighter, giving them a testing shake; not because you thought you could break through them, but because it gave you something to focus on, a way to channel the nervous energy building inside you.

“I’m serious,” you said. “If we can get Alphys to open the top of this cage, we might be able to surprise her and get out." His fingers drummed rhythmically against his thigh, a small, almost subconscious movement that told you he was thinking.

“And what makes you think she’ll just open it up?” he asked, his skepticism creeping back into his voice. “The lizard doesn’t seem stupid.”

“She’s overconfident,” you replied, your heart beating faster now, as your plan took shape. “She doesn’t see us as a threat. Just experiments, things to manipulate. But if she thinks something is going to interfere with her plans, she’ll have to act. She’ll have to step in.” The Shadowbringer's lips curled again, but this time, it wasn’t quite a smirk. It was something more thoughtful, more calculating. He was listening. Truly listening now. 

“And what exactly are you planning on doing?” he asked, his voice softer, more serious than before. You sighed, your breath shaky.

“Just trust me,” you said, your voice quieter now. The silence that followed was thick, almost suffocating as you both just looked at each other. You both knew the truth, you couldn’t trust each other, not really. He had his own agenda, and you had yours. But in this moment, trapped in a cage with no way out, you needed each other.

The Shadowbringer didn’t respond immediately, his dark eyes boring into yours with an intensity that sent a chill down your spine. He stood perfectly still, his arms crossed over his chest, the only movement coming from his fingers tapping a slow, rhythmic beat against his forearm.

His brow furrowed ever so slightly, the faintest wrinkle forming between his eyes as he stared you down. You could almost see the gears turning in his mind, weighing his options, trying to decide if trusting you was worth the gamble. Then, finally, he broke the silence with a soft, almost reluctant chuckle as his lips curled into something resembling a grin, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

 “Alright,” he said, “But if this blows up in our faces and we end up tortured, I’m holding you responsible.” His words were laced with that familiar sarcasm, but there was something else in his voice now, a playfulness you hadn't heard in ages. You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips despite yourself. His attitude was grating, yes, but for a brief moment, it felt almost normal.

“Yeah, whatever,” you said. You wanted to trust him, to believe that, for now, you could work together. But deep down, you knew better. You both did. You turned away from him, focusing your attention back on the camera. If this worked, you might have a chance. If it didn’t... well, you didn’t want to even think about it. 

His eyes were still on you, and it made the hairs on the back of your neck prickle. Trust was a fragile thing between the two of you, frayed and splintered by too many betrayals, too many lies. And yet, here you were, relying on each other, if only for this moment.

You risked a glance over your shoulder, meeting his stare once more. His eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. His expression was unreadable, filled with an emotion you couldn't quite place. It wasn’t the usual hatred or disdain that normally colored his face when he looked at you. No, this was different.

For a split second, as you held his gaze, you were reminded of a time when things were simpler, when you weren't on opposite sides; when you didn’t have to question every word, every glance. But that time was gone, buried beneath layers of death and betrayal, and no matter how much you wished otherwise, it wasn’t coming back. As you tore your eyes from him, the Shadowbringer let out a soft breath behind you, a sound that was almost a sigh.

You couldn’t be sure, but it almost felt like he was thinking the exact same thing.

*          *          *          *          * 

“Seriously? You think this is going to work?” He stood up abruptly, his eyes burning. “You really are delusional, aren’t you?” You felt your muscles tense, not out of fear but out of anger. You matched his glare with your own as you clicked your tongue, stepping forward. 

“Oh, and what do you suggest we do, then? Just sit here and rot?” Your voice was low, but the venom was unmistakable. “Unlike you, I have something to get back to." His fists clenched, the muscles in his jaw tightening and in a single, swift motion, he stepped closer, closing the gap until your noses were almost touching, the heat of his breath brushing against your skin. 

“You think I care about your pathetic little group of monsters?” He growled, his eyes cold as he smiled, this one devoid of any warmth. “I should’ve killed your friends when I had the chance.” Those words snapped something inside you. Without thinking, without hesitation, your vision narrowed, and before you knew it, you were moving. Your body surged forward, slamming into him with all your weight, knocking him off balance and sending both of you crashing to the ground.

He grunted as his back hit the cold metal floor, and for a split second, his eyes widened in surprise. But it didn’t last. His surprise quickly morphed into anger, and he shoved you back with a force that almost sent you sprawling. Almost.

You scrambled to maintain your balance, hands grabbing at his shirt as you pushed back, and the two of you rolled across the floor, limbs flailing, teeth bared. It wasn’t a graceful fight, it was raw, messy, and driven by pure rage. You could hear your heart pounding in your ears as you clawed at him, trying to get the upper hand. He growled, grabbing your arm and twisting it just enough to make you wince, but you didn’t let up.

“Get off me!” he snarled, his eyes dark with fury as he twisted his body beneath yours, trying to throw you off. His hands gripped your shoulders, and he pushed with all his strength, but you held your ground, your knees pressing into his chest.

“Make me!” you shot back, your voice trembling with the effort of keeping him pinned. You could feel his muscles tensing beneath you as he tried to push you off again, but you dug your fingers into his arms, holding him down with everything you had.

He let out a frustrated roar, finally managing to flip you onto your back. He wasted no time, pinning your wrists to the ground with a force that left your arms aching. His face hovered inches above yours, his breath ragged and hot against your skin.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. “You can’t win this. You never could.” You gritted your teeth, eyes blazing as you bucked beneath him, trying to throw him off.

“I wouldn't bet on it.' You breathed out, a strand of hair in your mouth. "As long as I have something to fight for I will never give up. You only fight for yourself.” you spat. His grip on your wrists tightened, his knuckles turning white as he leaned in closer, his weight pressing down on you.

“You think I don’t have anything to fight for?” His voice was quieter now, but no less intense. There was a hint of something else in his words. something raw and dangerous. “I’m fighting for everything. And if I have to break you to get it, I will.”

His words made your blood boil, and with a sudden surge of strength, you brought your knee up, hitting him in the side hard enough to make him grunt in pain. He loosened his grip for just a moment, and that was all you needed. You twisted out from under him, scrambling to your feet as he did the same.

The two of you faced off, breathing heavily, your bodies tense and ready for another round. Your eyes met, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something almost primal in the way you stared at each other. His fists clenched again, knuckles white, and you mirrored the movement, curling your fingers tightly until you could feel your heartbeat pulsing through your hands.

 But before either of you could make the next move, the grating sound of metal screeching above interrupted you. You both turned sharply, eyes darting upward to see Alphys at the top of the cell. Her face was curled up into a snarl, her yellow scales almost flushed with anger.

"Stop fighting!" she yelled, her voice high-pitched and trembling. You both turned to look at each other at the same time. If he'd blink he missed it, but slowly you nodded, and he smirked, leaping for you once more, his body slamming into you. "I said stop!" She growled, but you both didn't listen. He moved, and you responded without hesitation, dodging his wild swing and delivering a swift punch to his side.

He retaliated quickly, his hands grabbing for your arms, and you struggled to break free, the two of you locked in a furious tangle of limbs, panting heavily as you rolled once more across the cold floor. Your knees dug into his sides, trying to pin him down, but he bucked beneath you with a growl of frustration, flipping you onto your back. His hands wrapped around your throat, not enough to truly choke you, but enough to make it a bit harder to breathe.

“Get off me!” you hissed through clenched teeth, your breath ragged, chest rising and falling with each struggle to dislodge him.

“I could kill you right now,” he snarled, his face inches from yours, his breath hot against your cheek. His grip tightened for a moment before he shoved you back down onto the floor with a growl.

Just as you were about to break free, Alphys’ voice cut through the room again. “I swear!” she muttered, backing away from the edge, her small claws gripping the metal railing tightly. “If you two won’t stop, then I’ll just have to deal with this myself.” She grumbled, disappearing from view. 

The two of you lay there for a moment, still panting, still glaring at each other as the adrenaline started to slow. You stared up at the opening where Alphys had been, your heartbeat pounding in your ears, muscles still thrumming with the aftereffects of the fight.

“She bought it,” the Shadowbringer muttered, but without the anger that was there moments earlier. He rolled off you, breathing heavily as he sat up, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Looks like you were right after all.” You shot him a smug grin as you sat up too, your chest still heaving, trying to catch your breath. 

Then, without warning, you both moved at the same time. Instincts kicking in, you rushed toward the cell’s wall, He tightly gripped your ankles, his muscles straining under the effort as he hoisted you up, You scrambled to grip the metal lip of the ledge above and your fingers fumbled for a moment before finding purchase, the sharp edges biting into your palms.

Grunting, you pulled yourself up and over, your arms trembling from the strain. As you finally swung your legs over the edge, a wave of relief washed over you. Once you were on top, you pressed yourself flat against the ground for a moment, catching your breath, before slowly rising to your feet.

The monster was distracted, her back to you, rummaging through a pile of machinery. You could hear the clink of metal against metal as she muttered under her breath, frantically searching for something. You didn’t wait. With a burst of energy, you rushed at her, your feet pounding against the metal floor.

She barely had time to turn around before you slammed into her, your shoulder connecting with her side and sending her sprawling into a nearby shelf. The device she had been holding clattered to the floor, and you wasted no time in kicking it away, sending it sliding out of reach.

Alphys groaned, her movements sluggish and disoriented as she tried to push herself up from the floor. Her glasses hung crooked on her snout, and her claws scrabbled weakly for support. But you couldn’t afford to give her the chance. Without hesitation, you swung your fist down, landing a solid hit across her jaw. The impact reverberated up your arm, and a sharp pang of guilt struck your chest as her head snapped to the side. Alphys slumped to the ground, her body crumpling like a puppet with its strings cut.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. You stood there, chest heaving, your breaths uneven and shaky. The adrenaline still coursing through your veins left your muscles tense, but as you stared down at her, at the limp form of someone who had once been a friend, an uncomfortable knot tightened in your throat.

“You gonna get me out?” The Shadowbringer’s, voice broke your train of thought and you turned your head, scanning the dimly lit room for anything that could help you. Your eyes landed on a bundle of thick wires coiled haphazardly near the far wall, and wordlessly you lunged for the wires, your fingers wrapping around it as you yanked it free from the entangled machinery.

The wires resisted for a moment before breaking free with a snap, and you dragged the hefty bundle toward the cell, your muscles straining slightly with the effort. You tossed it down to him, the metal clanging against the floor, and a part of you hoped it hit him. But, atlas, you weren't that lucky, and it wasn't long before he was pulling himself off from the ground, standing in front of you.

As he brushed off his shirt, a low grunt escaped him, his eyes flickering with annoyance. "You sure took your time. For a second, I thought you were going to leave me down there." You watched him with a quiet intensity, crossing your arms as the corner of your lips quirked into a smirk.

"The thought crossed my mind," you replied, voice light. You had considered it if only for a fleeting moment, the temptation of leaving him behind tugging at you like a whisper in the back of your mind. But, predictably, you hadn't.

He snorted, a low, almost dismissive sound as he took a step closer, and unconsciously you stiffened. "We both know you're too noble for that." His voice was laced with mockery, but there was something else buried beneath it, something like certainty. His mouth curled into a smile, but it was empty, never touching the coldness in his gaze. For a brief second, you thought he might lunge at you, the hatred between you crackling in the air like static. 

But he didn't. Instead, he let out a heavy breath, the sound more resigned than anything. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel. His back was to you, and yet, it felt like he was still watching, still waiting for something, perhaps even the same something you couldn’t quite place.

"Next time I see you, I’m not holding back," he called back. You stood there, the smirk slowly fading from your lips, replaced by something else, something heavier. A strange longing, a pull toward something long past, settled in your chest. 

"I wouldn't have it any other way," you called after him, but your voice was softer than you meant it to be, betraying more than you would have liked. You wanted to fight him. You wanted to make him pay for everything he had done, for every scar, every wound, physical and otherwise. And yet, the thought of what it would mean, of what that final fight might bring, stirred something within you, something unpleasant. 

You clenched your jaw, steeling yourself against the torrent of emotions threatening to break through. Hatred was easier, cleaner, and right now, you couldn’t afford to feel anything else. You inhaled deeply, the breath shaky as you pushed those conflicting emotions down, locking them away somewhere deep inside where they couldn’t touch you.

Turning away, you stepped forward. Your legs felt heavy, but you forced them to move, picking up speed until you were sprinting through the lab’s corridors. It wasn't long before you found your way out, almost feeling a breath of hope filling you as you made it outside.

The air in the Hotlands was thick and oppressive, and the ground beneath you burned, radiating heat through the soles of your shoes, but you didn’t stop, pushing yourself harder with each step.

Eventually, the oppressive heat of the Hotlands had finally begun to fade, replaced by a gentle, familiar chill. As the harsh, molten landscape softened into the snowy ground you knew, a cool breeze swept over you, brushing against your skin like an old friend welcoming you home. When you heard the first satisfying crunch of snow under your boots, you couldn’t help but laugh.

You smiled, your breath a puff in the cold air. The biting chill against your skin should have bothered you, but you didn’t care. This, this was home. The towering pine trees, the quiet crunch of snow beneath your feet, it was everything you’d been wanting to return to. You were almost there.

The thought of seeing them again, Sans, Frisk, Papyrus, made your heart race with a warmth that melted away your exhaustion. They’d be waiting for you, and you could almost picture it: Sans, leaning against the couch, greeting you with a pun; Papyrus, shooting you a wide smile as he scolded you for scaring him; and then Frisk, running up to you and hugging you so tight that you might never want to let go. 

The thought made your chest tighten with longing. Maybe everything with Alphys had all been a misunderstanding, a strange nightmare you couldn’t quite wake up from. You nodded, forcing yourself to believe it.

If I can just make it back… everything will go back to normal. I’ll be in Snowdin, and it’ll all make sense. All you had to do was keep moving forward, and you’d be back with your friends, surrounded by everything you knew.

But something tugged at you, making your smile fade. The longer you walked, the more it grew, an uncomfortable knot tightening in your gut. You couldn’t ignore it, no matter how hard you tried. Something was off. The Underground felt wrong in a way you couldn’t quite describe. The forest was too still, the air too thick with silence. Everything looked the same, but at the same time, it seemed so different. 

It’s nothing, you told yourself, Just get home. But even your own thoughts seemed hollow. Numbly, you kicked a small rock in your path, sending it skidding across the snow with a muted thud, before watching it disappear into the underbrush. 

"Ow!"

The sudden yelp shattered the silence, making your heart lurch into your throat. Your muscles tensed, freezing you in place. Cautiously, you inched forward, each footstep silent as you approached the bush. Slowly you looked over the snow covered leaves, and what you saw shot a wave of irritation through you. 

There, nestled among the branches, was a small yellow flower. Not just any flower. Flowey.

He sat there, his black beady eyes wide with confusion, a vine brushing against the back of his head as if nursing a sore spot. His usual sneer was gone, replaced by a perplexed frown, his attention fixated on the rock that had hit him. He hadn’t even noticed you yet, his focus entirely on the small pebble.

"Who threw a rock?" he muttered, his voice unusually soft, almost curious. His voice caught you off guard. It was so unlike him. Your chest tightened, a mix of emotions swirling through you. Part of you wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation; Flowey, the manipulative monster who had terrorized you and your friends, nursing a bump on his head like a confused child. But the moment shattered as his head slowly turned, and those black eyes locked onto yours.

Everything about him changed in an instant. His petals stiffened, his body going rigid with a sharp intake of breath, as though time itself had frozen in the split second your eyes met. Your eyes narrowed, as you crossed your arms, annoyance flicking across your face. 

"What are you doing here?" You hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, but after everything you’d been through it was as if all the frustration you’d been holding in had bubbled up and spilled out all at once.

Flowey flinched as if you’d physically struck him, his entire form recoiling into itself. His vines trembled, retreating like wounded limbs, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you saw something you hadn’t expected to see from him. Fear. Real, genuine fear. His beady eyes flickered with panic, and his petals drooped, curling inward as though he wanted to disappear entirely.

"I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!" he blurted, his voice trembling. The quiver in his words was almost pitiful, wildly different from the Flowey you knew.

The arrogant, smug creature who reveled in tormenting others now shrank before you, his vines pressing deeper into the snow as if he could burrow his way into safety. Your anger faltered as surprise washed over you. It wasn’t like him to beg. Not like this. Your body relaxed, and the harshness in your eyes softened.

"I'm not going to hurt you," you said, your voice coming out far gentler than you intended. The words felt foreign on your tongue, as though they didn’t belong in the same space as this demon flower and yet, they came anyway.

Flowey's eyes flicked up toward you, his petals lifting ever so slightly. He stared at you, still wary, still trembling, but now there was something else in his eyes. Confusion. He seemed almost… puzzled, as though he couldn’t quite understand why you weren’t attacking him. 

You studied him, his small, hunched form nestled in the snow. Despite everything, despite all the pain he had caused, all the games he had played, a strange pang of pity tugged at you. It was odd, seeing him like this. Vulnerable. Not the cunning demon who manipulated and tormented with a twisted smile, but something smaller, weaker. Fragile, even.

"I'm really not," you repeated softly, your brow furrowing as you tried to make sense of the situation.

What are you doing? You shouldn’t be softening, not after all the hell he put you through. But standing there, watching him shrink in the snow, you couldn’t help it. Flowey's black, beady eyes stayed locked on yours, studying you with a wariness that made your skin prickle.

"I'm Flowey," he finally said, the words hesitant, as though testing how you’d respond. It was almost like he didn’t even believe it himself that you were being so kind to him.

You stared at him, your mind racing as you tried to connect the creature in front of you with the Flowey you knew. Or thought you knew. This Flowey seemed different, and that gnawing sense of unease in the pit of your stomach only grew stronger. 

"I know," you finally said, your voice slow, uncertain. "We’ve met before. Multiple times." Flowey blinked, his face scrunching up in confusion, and his petals drooped again.

"I… don’t remember meeting you." The words hit you like a punch, and frustration surged up in your chest. You ran a hand through your hair, gripping the strands in an attempt to ground yourself, to hold onto something real. But nothing felt real anymore. Everything was wrong, so wrong, and the rising tide of exasperation was hard to contain.

How could Flowey not remember? After everything? 

"Alphys is acting strange, you're acting strange… everything is just different!" The words burst out of you before you could stop them. You didn’t care if Flowey understood or not, the fear clawing at the back of your mind needed an outlet, and he was the only one here to hear it. "I just want to go home," you continued, your breath coming out in uneven bursts. "All I want is to see Frisk. To see Sans and Papyrus again."

Flowey perked up at the mention of their names, his eyes narrowing slightly. He hesitated for a beat, then spoke, his voice filled with uncertainty, and maybe even suspicion. "You… know Papyrus and Sans?"

You nodded absently, your thoughts too tangled to fully register the odd edge in his tone. "Yeah," you muttered, not even bothering to meet his stare. For a moment, you turned away, letting the soft crunch of snow under your boots fill the silence, almost forgetting that Flowey was still there.

But Flowey wasn’t letting it go. He stayed rooted in place, watching you with an expression that was slowly shifting, something calculating flickering behind his black eyes. His petals fluttered, his posture tensing just enough to show he was considering your words carefully.

"You... know The Great and Terrible Papyrus? Captain of the Royal Guard? And Sans, his enforcer?"

You froze mid-step. The Great and Terrible Papyrus? The titles felt foreign like they didn’t belong to the Papyrus you knew. The cheerful skeleton who wanted to be everyone’s friend, who cooked terrible spaghetti and always tried so hard to make people smile. Captain of the Royal Guard? And Sans? An enforcer? No. No, that wasn’t right.

“What?” you muttered, turning around to face Flowey. "That’s not them. Papyrus is kind, and he isn’t the Captain. Undyne is." Your voice was sharp, colder than you wanted, but the words tumbled out before you could stop them. Your heart pounded in your chest, frustration and fear coiling tightly inside you. Nothing was making sense, and you were growing tired of it. 

Flowey flinched at your outburst, his vines curling protectively around his body, as though bracing himself for another verbal assault. His petals drooped even further, and the sight of him recoiling from your words hit you harder than expected. Guilt crashed over you in waves, and you let out a breath, trying to calm yourself.

You hadn’t meant to snap like that and the last thing you wanted to do was make things worse. Flowey's eyes never left you and when he spoke again, was softer, cautious.

"Maybe we're talking about different people?" You knew the words were meant to soothe you, and that he didn't quite believe them himself. But they hit you harder than you’d expected. A thought came from the back of your mind and you blinked, your mouth dry. You released a shaky breath, your body sinking into the cold snow as you slowly knelt, the chill seeping through your clothes but you couldn't even feel it. As much as you didn’t want to ask, the question slipped from your lips anyway.

"Do you know Frisk?" For a moment, Flowey stared at you, his petals twitching slightly as he blinked in genuine confusion.

"Who’s Frisk?" he asked. Your breath hitched in your throat, the knot in your chest tightening until it felt like you couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t lying. You could tell by the way his face remained open, unguarded. He truly had no idea who you were talking about. And that realization hit you like a slap in the face.

Slowly, you rose to your feet, but your legs felt unsteady beneath you, threatening to give out at any moment. Your heart pounded in your chest, each beat echoing in your ears, loud and frantic. Something was wrong. Horribly wrong. And the dread that had been lurking in the shadows of your thoughts since you arrived here came rushing forward, impossible to ignore any longer.

This wasn’t just a mistake. It wasn’t a dream or some strange misunderstanding. It was something worse. So much worse.

You stared at Flowey, at his familiar face, those same beady eyes, the same petals, but behind them was something fundamentally different. The monsters here had the same faces as the ones you knew, the ones you’d fought beside, laughed with, loved. But there was nothing behind their eyes. No recognition. No shared history. No warmth.

They weren’t the same people.

Your heart sank like a stone, a dull ache spreading through your chest. You had been desperately clinging to the hope that you could find them; your Sans, your Papyrus, your Frisk. But they weren’t here. They didn’t exist in this place, and no matter how hard you searched, you wouldn’t find them.

Your legs wobbled, and you staggered back, your hand instinctively reaching out to the nearest tree. The bark bit into your palm, but it grounded you. You stared at the snow beneath your feet, the world blurring as your mind raced, trying to process how you had lost your entire world once more. 

I should’ve realized sooner. The thought barreled into you, cutting through the fog in your mind. It made you wince, guilt creeping up on you, sharp and bitter. Maybe I did. Maybe I just didn’t want to admit it.

The truth had been staring you in the face this whole time, waiting for you to confront it. But you hadn’t. You’d ignored all the signs, choosing instead to bury your head in the sand, hoping that somehow, it would all work out. That you’d find your friends, and everything would go back to the way it was.

The Core had done its job, but instead of sending you into the void or even killing you, it had thrown you into this. Into a universe that was so hauntingly familiar, yet wrong in every possible way.

You sucked in a sharp breath, your chest tightening painfully as the realization hit you, the full force of it crashing down like a wave, knocking the air from your lungs.

"I’m... in a different universe."

Chapter Text

"What… what do you mean by a different universe?" You blinked, suddenly aware of Flowey as he broke you from your thoughts. You hadn't even realized you had been so out of it in front of him, too caught up in your own emotions. Mentally, you cursed yourself, furious for letting your guard slip.

Pull it together. Your hands curled into fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms as you fought steady your breathing. The cold air cut into your lungs with each inhale, but you forced yourself to take it in anyway. The frost bit at your cheeks, the chill burrowing into your bones, but it was grounding. Necessary. You needed to be stronger than this. 

You leaned harder against the tree at your back, placing your hand against it. The cold beneath your fingertips sent a faint shiver up your spine, but you welcomed the discomfort. Anything to pull yourself out of your head. With a final, sharp inhale, you straightened, you jaw clenching. 

You were eerily expressionless, the emotions inside you folding in on themselves until all that remained was a cold, hollow emptiness. The mask you’d been trained to wear slid neatly into place, cutting off any weakness before it could take hold.

You pushed off the tree, deliberately turning away from Flowey, and strolling further into the forest.  But, behind you, a faint rustling followed you, and you suppressed the urge to sigh.

“Where are you going?” Flowey asked, his voice light. You walked faster, not bothering to look at him. 

“Looking for anything useful,” you said flatly, the words sharp and clipped. It wasn’t hard to see that you didn’t want him tagging along, but Flowey followed anyway. The faint rustle of his stem brushing against the snow grated against your nerves as he kept pace beside you. His stare even managed to set you on edge, but you didn’t bother trying to shake him off. Not yet, anyway.

Your gaze shifted to the forest ahead, catching on something that didn’t quite belong. A blur of uneven lines against the endless white made you squint, and as you drew closer, the shape cleared up as a small, weathered shed. It sat crooked and slumped in the snow, frost clinging to its walls like ivy.

Flowey’s petals twitched as he noticed it too, but for once, he didn’t say anything. You were grateful for the silence as your breath come out in a puff. Up close, the structure looked even worse. The wood was warped and splintered, weathered by years of merciless wind and biting cold. 

The roof sagged dangerously beneath the weight of packed snow, and the door hung slightly open, its frame cracked and fraying. The entire thing felt fragile, like one strong gust could send it crashing down.

You stopped just outside, your breath hitching slightly as unease crept into your chest.

The silence pressed against your ears as you paused at the door, straining to hear anything, anything, that might be wrong. But there was nothing. Just the whistle of the wind and the faint rustle of snow as it shifted around the shed.

Your fingers twitched at your side before you cautiously pushed the door open. The wood scraped against the frame with a loud, drawn-out creak, the sound sending a shiver down your spine. As you stepped inside, your hand brushed against the splintered edge of the doorframe, the wood biting into your skin.

The air inside was heavy, stale with disuse, carrying a faint, musty scent that clung to the back of your throat. Your nose crinkled instinctively. It was cramped; a single, narrow room with just enough space for a small bed shoved into one corner and a rudimentary kitchen squeezed beside it. Everything was worn, weathered by time and neglect.

The wooden floor creaked beneath your weight as you moved further in. The walls were riddled with gaps and cracks, letting thin beams of light and cold air filter through, but it seemed sturdy enough to keep out the worst of the elements.

The bed caught your attention. Though simple and threadbare, it was intact, its blanket folded with surprising care. And there was a faint, almost sweet scent lingering in the air, so subtle it felt out of place amidst the decay. It made your chest ache, though you weren’t sure why.

Flowey lingered by the doorway, silent but observant. His petals twitched occasionally, as if he wanted to speak but didn’t dare break the silence. You stepped further into the shed, wanting to explore some more, when your foot landed on something soft.

You froze.

Your gaze dropped to the ground, to the faint pile of dust scattered just beneath your boot. A hollow breath escaped your lips as realization crashed into you like a wave. You leapt back instinctively, your heart lurching as the dust stirred in the air, swirling in the air before slowly drifting back down.

A monster had died here.

The thought rooted you in place, your eyes locked on the small, pale heap. The room suddenly felt colder, the air heavier.

Flowey’s voice cut through the silence, low and almost cautious. “The monster who lived here… they were getting weak.” He paused, the shift in his tone making you glance at him. “They were seen as an easy target, so they were…” His words trailed off, unfinished, but the implication was clear.

You felt sick. Your gaze flicked back to the dust, the faint remnants of a life snuffed out, and your stomach churned. The weight of it pressed against your chest, threatening to pull you under. You didn’t even realize your hands had curled into fists at your sides.

The sigh that escaped you felt too loud, too heavy in the confined space. Without looking at Flowey, you turned away from the dust, forcing yourself to focus on something else. 

Anything else. So you focused on Flowey. Your jaw tightened, the urge to tell him to leave bubbling up in your chest.

But you didn’t.

As much as you wanted him gone, as much as you didn’t trust him, you needed him. He knew this world far better than you did, and right now, that knowledge was more valuable than your comfort.

But you didn’t have to like it.

"Hey Flowey." He perked at the sound of his name, his eyes widening as his expression shifted into something that was almost eager. Flowey had been acting so odd since you met him, in the way he looked at you and responded. 

Maybe he thought you were acting weird, maybe he was just waiting for you to start making sense. But for some reason, he didn’t seem all that bothered by you. In fact, you couldn’t shake the feeling he almost enjoyed your company.

“What is this Underground like?” His eyes darting away for a moment at the question, before locking onto yours again. His black eyes were sharp, the emptiness in them unsettling, but they held something more; nervousness, maybe? Whatever it was, his gaze flickered away just as quickly, dropping to the pile of dust between you as if he couldn't stand to look at you for more than a few seconds. 

“I don’t know where you’re from, but here… in the Underground…” His words were slow, like he’d said them before. “It’s kill or be killed. Everyone’s souls have hardened, and kindness is something that is rarely seen.”

Flowey’s body curled in on itself as he spoke, his tendrils twitching. His voice grew quieter, more brittle, as if a memory was plaguing him. “Anyone who shows kindness gets taken advantage of, or worse.” The words hung in the air, their heaviness settling over you like a fog. 

“Weakness here is a death sentence. Especially for a human.”

Your pulse quickened, but you didn’t look away. His warning had put you on edge, sure, but you didn't, no couldn’t, believe that everyone here could be so cold, so ruthless. You’d seen enough to know that kindness often existed even in the most unexpected places. Some part of you refused to accept that this universe, that the monsters here, could be entirely devoid of it.

Your shoulders stiffened, jaw tightening as you held his stare, trying to swallow down the discomfort bubbling in your chest. 

“How is everyone here that cruel? Is Papyrus like that?” The questions were more accusatory then anything, and the moment the words left your lips, you knew you’d hit a nerve. 

For a second, Flowey didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. His body language said it all. Then he shook his head, slowly, with a shudder that rippled down his vine-like body.

“Yes,” Flowey said, his voice quiet, almost hushed. “I don’t know what sort of Papyrus you knew, but this one… He’s not the same.” He paused, and you saw a flicker of something you couldn’t quite name. Fear, maybe? Or disgust? “If you want to live… avoid him and his brother. Avoid both of them. At all costs.”

You tried to picture it, to see the Papyrus you remembered through Flowey’s words, but it was impossible. The image of Papyrus, the one you knew, bright, hopeful, too innocent for his own good, wouldn’t fit the version he described. It felt wrong, like trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong spot.

Papyrus? Cruel? 

The thought twisted your stomach, making you feel sick, and for a moment, you almost couldn’t bring yourself to believe it. Almost.

But then, your mind wandered back to Alphys. How different she had been, how there had been no warmth in her eyes, no care. If that was true for her, you couldn't help but think it might be true for everyone in this Underground.

Doggo... Undyne... Grillby... even the kid. The thought of them, changed like that, left a bitter taste in your mouth. What had happened to them? What had made them like this? Your thoughts stopped, and before you could stop it, the question was already slipping from your mouth, tumbling into the air between you.

“How many humans have fallen?”

The question hung there, suspended in the air, and you could almost see the way it settled around Flowey. He froze, his petals twitching slightly, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied you.

“Two.”

Two? The word struck you like a blow to the chest, and you felt your breath catch in your throat. That didn’t make sense. Only two? If there has only been two humans then… that meant Frisk wasn't here. 

That meant this version of the Underground, this timeline, was behind the one you came from. Your universe had seven souls fall, enough to break the barrier, enough to get to the surface. But here...

No wonder Flowey had no memory of Frisk. They hadn’t come here yet. Maybe they never would. As saddening as that thought was, there was one good thing. 

The Shadowbringer can't escape. Even if he somehow managed to get your soul, he wouldn't have enough to get to the surface. You felt a flicker of relief at the thought, something soft and fleeting.

But that relief was short-lived. It twisted into a deep, gnawing fear that clutched at your gut. Just because the Shadowbringer couldn’t break free didn’t mean he’d stop. No. You knew him too well. He was relentless. Adaptable. He would find a way.  It wasn’t in his nature to back down, not after he’d come this far.

A shiver ran up your spine, and it wasn’t from the cold. Everything here felt wrong. Everything was off in ways that made your skin crawl.  Your chest tightened, and though you tried to shake it off, you couldn’t. 

 I need to see it with my own eyes,. The thought was sharp, cutting through the haze of uncertainty that had been clouding your mind. You couldn’t just stand here, not now. You needed to know what was happening, what was really happening in this Underground. Before you realized it, you were moving, stepping out of the small shed. 

“Hey! Wait!” Flowey’s voice rang out behind you. “Where are you going?”

“To town,” you answered, glancing back. But he popped out of the snow in front of you before you could take another step, his face twisted with something close to worry. His vines seemed to tense, like he was going to try and hold you back if he had to.

“You can’t just… walk into town!” He said, frantically shaking his head. “You’ll be killed if you go in there! You can’t trust anyone here!”

Your eyes narrowed, a sardonic smile tugging at your lips. “Doesn’t that mean I shouldn’t trust you?”

Flowey’s eyes widened, his expression faltering as if he hadn’t expected the question. His petals drooped, his vines twitching, almost trembling as he scrambled for an answer. 

“I… I mean…” He sounded lost for a moment, his confidence slipping. “I’m… just trying to help,” he muttered weakly. He seemed genuine, and for a moment, you almost turned back around to the shed. 

But, a voice clawed its way into your mind, mocking you for even considering believing him. This is Flowey, you reminded yourself. One of the most manipulative creatures you’d ever met. A being who’d toy with you without hesitation, who’d gleefully pull at your strings if it suited his purpose. 

“I don’t need your help,” you said, each word sharper than the last. Flowey’s face fell, his expression momentarily crumbling, and he hesitated, as if debating whether to argue. But he didn’t try to stop you this time. He just watched in silence as you walked past him, not even giving him a second glance. 

*          *          *          *          * 

Snowdin wasn’t the same.

As you approached the town, a strange, oppressive weight pressed against your chest, heavier with every step. The snow that once felt so soft and inviting now seemed brittle, crunching sharply beneath your boots. The air, always cold, carried a thickness that clung to your skin, suffocating and heavy. It was as though the entire town held its breath, waiting for something to break the silence.

The buildings were the same,but they too felt wrong. The cheerful wreaths and soft lights that once adorned their walls were gone, replaced by weathered wood and frost-covered windows that gave the town an abandoned, hostile appearance.

You hesitated at the edge of the main street, your fingers tightening around the worn fabric of your coat. Snow piled in uneven drifts against the buildings, untouched except for the occasional set of footprints that hinted at life in this desolate place. A faint sound pricked at your ears. The crunch of footsteps.

Instinct flared hot and fast. Without thinking, you pressed yourself against the rough wall of a nearby building, the coarse wood biting through your layers. Your breath hitched, and you stifled it, biting the inside of your cheek to keep quiet. A wooden barrel sat within reach, its surface slick with frost, and you curled your fingers around the edge, knuckles white as you crouched lower, heart pounding.

The footsteps grew louder, and you strained your ears to hear. Then, rounding the corner, a monster appeared.

Doggo. Relief filled you for a moment, the sight of him tugging at your heart. But the feeling shattered just as quickly as it came. The Doggo you remembered, playful and oddly endearing, wasn’t here. This was someone else entirely.

Deep scars carved across his muzzle, very visible against the grayish tint of his fur, the white seeming duller now, like it had been leeched of life. His lips twisted into a permanent snarl, baring teeth yellowed from disuse. His stance was rigid, his claws flexing slightly as he scanned the street.

Your throat tightened, a wave of unease clawing at your insides.

Movement behind him drew your attention. A lanky, wiry monster slinked past, their posture hunched, shoulders pulled in tight, as though trying to make themselves as small as possible. Their gaze flicked nervously to Doggo, then immediately away, but it wasn’t enough.

A low, guttural growl rumbled from Doggo’s throat, the sound making the other monster freeze mid-step. Their head tilted just slightly, enough to cast a resentful glare before they hurried away, steps quick and uneven.

Doggo didn’t follow. Instead, a sick, twisted gleam lit his eyes, his lip curling in satisfaction. He straightened, his chest puffing out slightly as though he took pride in the fear he caused.

You stayed frozen, fingers gripping the barrel tighter as you fought the impulse to run. And yet, you couldn’t look away, your heart hammering as Doggo’s eye swept the street, his eyes lingering too long on the shadows where you hid.

Just before Doggo could catch your scent, you slipped further along the building’s side. The cold bit into your palms as you crouched lower, your fingers brushing the frozen earth in a search for cover. Each breath felt heavy, fogging the air in shallow puffs that you fought to silence. 

You crept from one hiding spot to another, ducking behind crates and stacks of barrels with barely a sound.

Your gaze darted upward, as another idea flashed through your mind. A bead of sweat, cold as the air around you, slipped down the side of your face. You clenched your jaw and backed up slightly, studying the distance from the wall to the roof.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, you felt the burn of cold air sear your lungs. You sprang forward. Your boot struck the wall, and your muscles screamed as you pushed up. The edge of the roof loomed above you, closer now. Your hands gripped the frozen shingles, the icy texture biting into your skin as you hauled yourself upward with a grunt. Snow crunched under your palms as you scrambled onto the rooftop, your breath exploding from you in uneven gasps.

The wind hit you like a slap, slicing through your clothes, chilling your face and numbing your fingers until every movement felt sluggish. For a moment, you froze there, sprawled against the rooftop. Your heartbeat was wild, thundering in your chest, your throat, your ears, everywhere it shouldn't be when you needed to stay silent.

Every creak of the roof, every distant sound sent a surge of panic through you, but the streets below remained still. Gradually, you pressed your body flat against the frost-bitten shingles, your breath shallow as you scooted forward, the ice digging into your elbows and knees.

You lifted your head just enough to peek over the edge. The view made your stomach churn. Where there had once been laughter and warmth, now there was only  silence, broken occasionally by muttered curses or low growls. Monsters moved quickly, their heads low, shoulders hunched, as if trying to look as intimidating as possible.

A sudden shout snapped your attention to the left. A small bunny monster stumbled backward, colliding with a taller cat monster. The bunny’s wide eyes darted around, his hands rising in an almost apologetic way. But the cat’s sneer was sharp enough to cut ice, his mouth curling around words you couldn’t quite hear.

Whatever the cat had said, it must have been vile. The bunny lunged, slamming the cat into the wall with shocking force. You flinched, shrinking against the roof as the fight erupted into a brutal flurry of claws and snarls. Their bodies twisted, the icy ground cracking beneath them with every impact.

The cat lashed out, claws ripping at the bunny’s fur, scattering tufts of white against the snow. But the fight ended as suddenly as it began. The bunny monster drove him down, pinning him to the frozen ground.

You held your breath, the wild drumming of your heart loud in your ears. Then the first glimmer of dust rose on the wind. You squeezed your eyes shut, bile thick and sour climbing your throat, but your curiosity betrayed you. Your gaze snapped back, drawn to the grim aftermath.

Where the cat monster had been, there was only a scattering of dust, already fading into the snow. The bunny stood, brushing himself off with a disconcerting casualness. His face was impassive, almost bored, as if what had just happened meant nothing at all.

The knot in your stomach twisted tighter. Your fingers dug into the shingles as you watched the other monsters step around the scene without so much as a glance. No one stopped. No one cared.

You ducked back down, pressing yourself flat against the roof, the rough shingles biting into your cheek. Your chest heaved, each breath shaky and shallow. 

They just… let it happen.

Your mind raced. You swallowed hard, trying to force down the rising panic clawing at your insides. Without your element, without water to call on, you felt stripped bare. You could fight, sure, but you were weakened.

Flowey was right. I need to get out of here.

Moving slowly, you shifted toward the edge of the roof. The frost-coated surface crackled faintly beneath your weight, sending fresh jolts of anxiety through you. You slid down carefully, your feet brushing against the edge as you prepared to drop down.

Then, a voice cut through the silence, rough and guttural.

“scram!”

The single word was a growl, sharp enough to make you flinch. Your breath hitched, and for a moment, the cold air felt like it had turned to stone in your chest.

No. It couldn’t be. Not him. Your fingers tightened against the edge of the roof, knuckles turning white. Your instincts screamed at you to go back, urging you to keep moving, to ignore it, to leave. And yet… you couldn’t help yourself. Slowly, almost against your will, you pressed yourself up, just enough to peer back over the rooftop.

And there he was.

Sans.

A chill ran down your spine as you took him in, every detail both familiar and wrong all at once. His outfit was noticeably different. Instead of blue and white, he wore a black jacket with a red undershirt. Even from here you could tell his shoulders were tight, his hands buried deep in his pockets. 

And his face… his face was twisted into a disdainful scowl, his eyelights a piercing, eerie red that reminded you of smoldering embers.  

 He's not him, you told yourself, almost fiercely, the words sharp in your head. He's not. This was a different universe and that was a completely different monster. And yet, your didn't move. A small, soft part of you dared to remember the quiet, easy grin he used to wear. 

He turned just slightly, a glint of gold flashing in his mouth as he bared teeth in a mocking sneer at a nearby monster. The sight made your chest contract and you swallowed hard, jaw clenching as you forced yourself back down against the shingles, hiding from view. Your heart hammered in uneven, painful bursts, and you closed your eyes, gripping onto the words Flowey had warned you with.

He’s not the same.

The thought echoed through your mind as you crouched at the roof’s edge. The biting wind gnawed at your cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the cold sinking into your chest. You exhaled, a shiver running down your spine as your breath puffed faintly in the frosty air. Then, with a quiet breath to steady yourself, you dropped down from the roof, snow crunching softly beneath your boots.

The urge to flee clawed at you, but you forced it down. One step at a time, you kept to the shadows, weaving through Snowdin’s eerily quiet streets..

Every face you passed twisted your stomach tighter. The monsters here, bitter, hollow-eyed, and wary, were nothing like the ones you remembered. You caught flashes of cold glares, sneers, and hunched shoulders, all radiating hostility. 

Your focus wavered as your mind raced, and the thought of escape felt like a thread you couldn’t quite grasp. Turning a corner, you stepped back-

CRACK!

A bone shot past your face, the air vibrating with the sharp whistle of its movement. You gasped, stumbling back as the edge of the bone grazed your cheek. A fiery sting bloomed across your skin, and instinctively, you reached up, fingers brushing the fresh scratch. When you pulled your hand away, the smear of red against your fingertips made your stomach twist.

Your head snapped toward the source, and your breath caught in your throat.

A glowing red eye stared back at you, the intensity of it freezing you in place.

He stood just beyond the corner, slouched but radiating a suffocating presence that pressed against your chest like an iron grip. Hewas larger than you thought, taller than your Sans.

Even hunched slightly, he matched your height, the dark fur-lined hood of his jacket casting a faint shadow over his face. The jacket was frayed at the edges, the fur lining scorched and singed in patches.

The glow of his eyelight flickered, illuminating the sharp angles of his skull and the smirk that slowly spread across his face. It wasn’t the mischievous grin you remembered, it was something predatory.

The air around him seemed to pulse, thick and heavy with magic and you stiffened.

“well, well…” His voice broke the silence, low and gravelly, curling around you like smoke. He tilted his head, the motion slow, deliberate, and unnervingly calm. “what do we have here?”

He shifted his weight lazily, one shoulder rolling back as his hands stayed buried deep in his jacket pockets. This was something you recognized, feigned nonchalance. In reality, you knew he was anything but calm, in fact, he was looking at you like a predator sizing up its prey.

Your pulse spiked, your muscles coiling with alarm as his gaze locked onto you. That single, glowing socket bore into you, heavy with something darker than irritation. Contempt, maybe. Or worse, amusement. 

Slowly you wiped at your cheek again, the sting grounding you even as your stomach churned. His sneer deepened, the sharp edges of his teeth catching the dim light as he leaned forward just enough to make the distance between you feel suffocating.

“didn’t anyone teach ya it’s rude to stare?” His words came slowly, each syllable dripping with mockery. The rasp in his tone made the hair on the back of your neck rise.

Your lips parted, and against your better judgment, words slipped out before you could stop them. “Didn’t anyone teach you it’s rude to try and kill someone?” The instant the words left your mouth, your chest tightened. The crackling tension in the air seemed to thrum louder, his gaze narrowing as his smirk curled wider. His head tilted further, his eyelight becoming brighter. 

Then he chuckled, low and quiet, a sound that crawled under your skin and coiled in your gut. It wasn’t warm or playful, it was sharp, edged with a cruel amusement that made you feel smaller, weaker.

“heh. you’ve got guts, I’ll give ya that. shame that doesn’t usually help monsters out here,” he says, his voice dipping lower, a sharp edge to his words. “especially not humans.”

The words are meant to provoke you, to get under your skin. But instead of shrinking back, you hold your ground, for some reason you can't explain, you don't feel as much fear as you should've. Instead you deadpan. Of course he was going to threaten you, even in a different universe he was still a Sans. 

His brow twitches, his jaw tightening as if your reaction had unsettled him, if only slightly. It’s gone as quickly as it appeared, his expression snapping back into place like a mask he’s worn a thousand times. He takes a step closer, his face inches from yours. You can feel the warmth of his breath against your cheek, carrying a mix of smoke and faint traces of mustard.

“heh. ya got a death wish, huh?” he growls, his voice like gravel grinding against itself.

Your lips curl into a smirk of your own, “Maybe. It changes day by day.” For a moment, his eyelights flickers, glowing brighter, washing your cheeks in crimson. You can’t help but notice the faint scars etched into his skull, crossing in jagged lines over his cheekbone and near the corner of his mouth. The rough fabric of his red turtleneck shifts as his shoulders rise, the threads pulling slightly where it stretches over his collarbone.

You brace yourself, holding your ground, your arms crossed tightly over your chest as if that alone could shield you from the storm brewing behind his sockets. His eyelight flickers, just briefly, toward the cut on your cheek, a tiny, involuntary pause that you almost miss. His gaze lingers, as if drawn to it, the glowing red dimming slightly, before he straightens abruptly and steps back, his chuckle low and jagged.

“guess ya don’t know who you’re dealin’ with. lucky for you, I’m in a real good mood today.” He shifts, he’s more relaxed now but still on guard as his head tilts, his sockets trailing over you again. You can feel the way he’s sizing you up, deciding whether you’re worth the effort.

His fingers drum against his leg for a beat before he taps his chin with a bony finger, his grin crooked.

“y’know,” he mutters, almost to himself, “probably should leave the human killin’ to the boss. wouldn’t wanna step on any toes.” His gaze sweeps over you one last time, the corner of his mouth curling in an almost lazy amusement. “besides, what fun is it killin’ new blood this early in the game?”

He let out a breath, the sound slow and deliberate, as if releasing some pent-up tension. His gloved hand rose to his face, lazily picking at something in his teeth, the motion so casual it felt almost mocking.

“anyway, you’ll get yourself killed, one way or another,” he said with a dismissive shrug. Annoyance surged within you, your brow furrowing. Whatever this was, this game, this act, you refused to let him see you as some kind of toy as someone who was weak. Straightening your spine, you stepped forward, glaring at him.

“I think you’ll find I can handle myself,” you snapped.

For a moment, his jaw paused mid-motion, the barest hitch as the corners of his mouth twitched. His grin shifted, just slightly, his expression unreadble. It wasn’t quite respect, but it lingered close enough to make your skin prickle. Then he laughed.

The sound was jarring, rough and uneven, like gravel tumbling down a steep hill. He threw his head back, the motion sudden, and you instinctively tensed as he practically doubled over.

“can’t tell if you’re brave or just stupid,” he chortled, his voice rattling as he wiped away an imaginary tear. The laughter rolled out of him in uneven bursts, his chest rising and falling beneath the red turtleneck that clung to him like it was just a second skin.

You didn’t flinch, even though every muscle in your body screamed for you to move, to react. His laugh finally tapered off into a low hum, the sound vibrating in the thick silence that followed.

“you’re somethin’ else, y’know that?” His grin curled wider as he spoke, studying your expression as if trying to find out what lie underneath your own mask. When he didn't find anything, his smirk grew wider.

“but hey,” he continued, his voice softening into something deceptively smooth, “let’s make it real clear, yeah? next time we meet, things won’t be so…” He trailed off, his socket flaring ominously as his grin stretched into something feral, “…pleasant.”

Your pulse pounded in your ears, the thrum almost deafening, but you didn’t let it show. “I’ll keep that in mind,” you repleid evenly, even as your nerves felt like a wire about to snap.

For a heartbeat, his grin seemed to widen impossibly further, teeth gleaming like a predator's before a kill. Then, without warning, he was gone. His form dissolving into bursts of static, a soundless, glitch that tore apart like smoke swept away by a violent wind.

And then there was silence.

It pressed down on you from all sides, heavy and suffocating. You stood frozen, rooted to the spot as adrenaline still coursed through your veins, refusing to fade away. Slowly, shakily, you exhaled, releasing a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. Your hand lingered near your side, fingers twitching, before curling into a fist.

What the hell was that?

The question burned through your mind as you took a cautious step back, then another. The snow crunched faintly beneath your boots, each sound unnervingly loud in the absence of any other noise. Turning away from the spot where he’d stood, you began moving out of the town, your steps hesitant at first. 

This wasn’t home. This wasn’t even close. The streets of Snowdin was so alien, so different. And yet, some foolish, stubborn part of you still clung to the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, there was something here that could feel like yours.

But every step away from the town chipped at that hope, scattering it like ice beneath your feet. By the time you reached the edge of the forest, you felt more and more hopeless. The snow crunched louder here, the sound sharper in the stillness of the trees. You wrapped your arms around yourself, less for warmth and more for some fragile sense of security.

What am I even searching for? The thought clawed at you, raw and desperate. You had no plan, no destination. Just the gnawing need to escape, to find something. Something that felt like home.

Your foot snagged on a hidden root, and you stumbled slightly, catching yourself against a low-hanging branch. The rough bark scraped against your palm, and huffing in frustration, you slapped it hard, making it shatter and fall to the ground.

The sharp sting in your palm grounded you, anchoring your thoughts for a fleeting moment. You stared at the branch, breathing hard, before letting your hand drop back to your side.

“What am I even doing…” you murmured, the words barely louder than a whisper. 

Of course, no answer came, just the soft rustle of the wind through the trees and the crunch of snow beneath your boots as you pushed forward into the forest. The ache in your chest didn’t fade, and the chill seeped deeper into your bones, but you kept moving.

Because stopping meant letting the weight of it all crush you, and you weren’t ready to give up yet.

Chapter Text

The lodge was crowded, the massive hall crammed with trainees as the air hummed with anticipation. It was a restless buzz, a thousand voices weaving together. The occasional scrape of a chair or the groan of the wooden floorboards cut through the murmur, like a knife through fog.

[Name] stood there at eighteen, her shoulders brushing against others in the crowded space. Familiar faces flitted into view, some frozen in like stone, others betraying their nerves in the tightness of their brows or the clench of their jaws. But then her eyes found him...Caz.

Caz was taller now, much taller than she remembered. She could tell his jaw was clenched from here, even being able to see the same tightness in his shoulders that he always seemed to have nowadays. It was almost as if all the expectations that were forced on him had become a permanent weight on his shoulders.  

His dark eyes were distant, locked onto something she couldn't see, his expression unreadable, like a closed door that no one would ever open. His hair, usually untamed and wild, was combed back hastily, but even so, a few strands still fell rebelliously across his face. 

Beside him was his father. His longer black hair was neatly tied back, showing even more of the deep scar that cut diagonally across it. His eyes, dark as Caz’s but lacking any of the warmth she sometimes glimpsed in his son’s, swept over the crowd. He then cleared his throat, and the chatter died immediately, the noise evaporating like smoke.  

When Blackthorn stepped onto the small wooden stage, his son followed, the boards creaking under their weight. Today was a day that everyone had been waiting for, a day that had been foretold by her mentor. [Name's] throat went dry as Blackthorn passed her, his eyes sweeping over her like she wasn’t even there, cold, dismissive, like she didn’t even exist in the same space as him.

“As you all know,” Blackthorn’s voice rang out, “the darkness threatens to consume all that we hold dear. This threat cannot and will not be allowed to stand.”

His words hung in the air long after he spoke, settling over everyone in the room. A chill ran down her spine, her stomach tight with a mixture of dread and unease. The crowd around her shifted, and she glanced at Caz, her heart tightening as she saw the subtle tremble in his hands. For him, this was a day he had been dreading forever, it was the day the title of the "chosen one" would be actualized. Today was the start of his destiny. 

Blackthorn turned to his son,  “This is the time to strike. And my son, Caz, will lead the charge.” A ripple passed through the crowd, but Blackthorn was unmoved, his focus on Caz, unblinking. “You carry the burden of our future on your shoulders. Failure is not an option.”

Caz nodded. A single, sharp motion of his head, but there was something in the way his hands clenched, that made her chest ache. The weight of those eyes, the pressure of being the chosen one, his father's expectations of him. She could tell it all pressed down on him.  And she hated it. She hated that she couldn’t do anything to make it lighter for him, that she couldn’t somehow carry some of that burden for him.

Her gaze flicked back to Blackthorn as he turned his attention to the crowd again, his voice as cold as ever. “This is your moment. Your time to stand. I expect nothing less than absolute loyalty and victory. Those unwilling to give it have no place here.” The finality of his words seemed to settle into the very bones of the hall, sending a shiver through the air.

Around her, everyone stood still, silent, faces blank or tense, each one marked with a shared sense of dread that none dared to speak aloud. Everyone knew those who were picked would have their names written down in history, no one was really afraid of the danger, of the thought that they would potentially die. No, they were more afraid of not being chosen.

[Name] wished she could say she didn't feel the same way as everyone else, but she couldn't lie to herself. She wanted to be on Caz's team, not for fame, but to be with her friend. She'd promised she'd be with him when the day came, she promised she'd be there when his world fell apart. The day all his hopes and dreams of the future, of a life not being the chosen one, would disappear. 

So through it all, her eyes stayed on Caz. He should have looked proud. Confident. Even excited. But instead, his face was blank. An expression that had replaced the spark she used to see. It had been that way for years now. Ever since that last conversation, the one that had ended in the moonlight on the training grounds. The boy who had dreamed of greatness, the one who had laughed and shared stories of grand adventures, was fading into someone else. Someone she didn’t know.

“A team will accompany him on this journey, picked by the chosen one himself, the Lightbringer." Blackthorn’s voice cut through the talking again as he waved a hand toward his son, signaling him to step forward. The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with anticipation.

Caz stood tall, his face unreadable as he began to list the names. The first few were met with cheers, each of the ones chosen stepping forward followed by a half-hearted applause. With each name he spoke, a part of her held on, hoping, believing, even when logic told her otherwise. Then his eyes met hers.

For a brief moment, her heart skipped, a flicker of hope igniting. She could see the way his eyes softened as if he were about to say her name. But the seconds stretched on, and he eventually looked away. The last name fell from his lips, and it wasn’t hers. The crowd erupted around her, their cheers crashing against her like a wave, but she stood still, frozen in place.

The ache in her chest was unbearable as Blackthorn's voice echoed in the hall, but the words blurred into noise that rung in her eats. Her focus stayed on Caz as he stepped down from the stage,  disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

Her fists clenched. Before she knew it, she was pushing through the crowd, ignoring the muttered curses and irritated glares of those she jostled past. Each step felt heavier, her heart pounding harder with every stride. She had to know. She couldn’t let him leave without answers.

“Caz!” she called, her voice cracking as it carried through the empty corridor.

He didn’t stop. The sight of his back retreating further into the dimly lit hallway ignited a flare of frustration in her chest. Quickening her pace, she moved to block his path, forcing him to halt. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her chest heaving from more than just exertion.

“Why didn’t you pick me, Caz?” Her voice broke, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.

. Confusion flickered across his face, followed by something else, something deeper. Pain? Guilt? She couldn’t tell. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his gaze darted away, his shoulders stiffening as though bracing himself for her reaction.

“Go back to the others,” he said finally, his voice low and clipped, carrying an edge of finality. He took a step back, turning slightly, but she mirrored his movement, closing the gap between them.

“What does that mean?” Her fists trembled at her sides, her voice rising with frustration. “You didn’t even give me a chance. I could’ve helped you—I wanted to help you. I thought we were in this together!”

His jaw tightened, the tension rippling through his features. His hands curled into fists at his sides, knuckles whitening. His eyes snapped to hers, sharp and piercing, though something raw flickered beneath the surface, barely concealed. “You don’t belong here,” he said, his tone sharper now, almost a growl. “You’re wasting your time. Stop pretending you can keep up.”

The words hit her like a physical blow, her breath catching in her throat, but she refused to step away. Her chest rose and fell as she fought to steady her breathing. “That’s not true, and you know it,” she said, her voice steady, though her hands clenched tightly. “I’ve trained just as hard as anyone else. I’ve fought beside you-”

“Stop!” he snapped, cutting her off. He ran a hand through his hair, the motion sharp and agitated, before dragging it down his face as if trying to wipe away whatever he was feeling. His shoulders sagged for a fleeting moment, and when his gaze met hers again, his expression twisted with anger.

“You think I can afford to drag you along?” His voice rose, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “I can't afford to babysit you! And where I'm going weakness gets you killed.” Her breath hitched, the words slicing through her, leaving a sharp ache in their wake. She knew she would always be weaker than Caz, she knew she wasn't as strong as him. But she was stronger than most of the other trainees, something they both knew.

“You don’t mean that,” she said, her voice trembling. She took a small step closer, her eyes searching his. “You’re lying. You’re scared, but it’s not of me. So what is it? What are you so afraid of?”

His body stiffened, and for a moment, his mask faltered. His lips parted slightly, his brows knitting together as if her words had struck something deep within him. The boy she once knew, the one who shared his dreams with her, who laughed under the stars, flickered in his eyes. But the softness vanished almost immediately, replaced by a hardened glare as his jaw tightened once more.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, as though uncomfortable under her stare, his hands fidgeting at his sides before falling still again.

“Then tell me,” she pressed, her tone softening, pleading. Her hands unclenched, trembling as she reached for him, though she stopped herself before making contact. “Tell me the truth, Caz. You owe me that much.”

Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, the tension seemed to crack. His gaze softened just enough for her to glimpse the turmoil beneath, his lips parting as if to speak. But then his expression hardened, his walls slamming back into place. He looked away, his head shaking almost imperceptibly, his shoulders squaring as he withdrew into himself.

“The truth?” he said bitterly. He took a step back, the distance between them growing. “The truth is you’re better off staying out of my way.” Her breath caught in her throat, the finality in his voice crashing over her like a tidal wave. She flinched, the sting of his rejection settling in her chest like a stone as her arms fell limply to her sides.

Before she could find the words to respond, he stepped around her.  She stood frozen, her vision blurring as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Her fists clenched again, but this time, it was to keep herself from breaking the silence he left behind. The ache in her chest spread like a crack fracturing deep within her, threatening to splinter her into pieces.

But she refused to let the tears fall.

Instead, she just watched.

Watched as he turned his back on her.

Watched as he left her behind.

*          *          *          *          * 

You shook your head, idly feeling the scab forming on your cheek as you pushed away the memories. You forced yourself to focus on the path ahead, finding your way back to the small shed in the woods. It was decrepit, sure the cracks in the wood let in icy air, and the faint scent of mildew stung your nose, but it was better than nothing.

More importantly, it was quiet. As confident as you were in your abilities, you weren’t keen on getting into any more close calls just yet.

It wasn't long before you found the shed. The rusted hinges protested as you pushed the door open, its sharp creak cutting through the silence. You crossed the room, your boots kicking up dust as you made your way to the rickety bed shoved against the far wall. Sitting down carefully, you felt the springs groan under your weight, and you stayed still until the bed settled.

The silence wrapped around you like a heavy blanket, giving your thoughts room to wander no matter how much you didn’t want them to. The conversation with Sans ran through your mind and you sighed, running a hand through your hair before letting it fall to your lap. Your fingers brushed against the cool metal of the pocket watch hanging around your neck, and your chest tightened.

You had forgotten about the small thing, as you slowly wrapped your fingers around it, lifting it into view. The tarnished gold looked even more worn, the engraving on it still visible: Lily. Your thumb traced over the name, the grooves smooth against your skin. 

“What should I do?” you whispered, barely hearing your own voice over the sound of your pulse in your ears. The question felt like it was aimed at the watch itself, as though it could somehow give you an answer. 

“What’s that you’re holding?”

Your head snapped up, your heart pounding as you turned toward the door. Flowey sat just outside of the doorway, his vibrant yellow petals tilted slightly forward, as though he were leaning in for a better look. His wide, round face was filled with something you weren’t used to seeing on his face, innocent curiosity.

You tightened your grip on the pocket watch, your chest tightening. This wasn’t the Flowey you remembered. The sharp, calculating gleam in his eyes was missing, replaced by something… softer. You stared at him, watching the way he lingered at the door, obviously unsure.

Is he really different? you wondered. If everything in this world was twisted from the one you knew, could he be different, too? If Sans and Alphys weren’t the same, maybe Flowey wasn’t either. But could you trust that? Your shoulders fell as the tension in them drained out of you, almost against your will. This Flowey hadn't done anything to you. He hadn't taunted you, hadn't tried to kill you. So maybe. just maybe. He wasn’t a threat.

“It’s a pocket watch,” you said softly, the words leaving your lips before you fully realized you were speaking. His petals tilted slightly to the side, as if he wanted to ask more, but was unsure if he should or not. You hesitated, your fingers running over the engraved name once more before continuing to speak. “It belonged to my mentor.” You explained. 

His dark eyes flicked toward the watch, then back to your face. For a moment, you thought you saw something pass across his expression, sympathy, perhaps? But you dismissed it just as quickly. Flowey, sympathetic? That was hard to believe.

Still, you opened the watch with a small click, turning it toward him. You watched as he leaned even further as if to get a better look, and lazily you followed his stare, but as you did, you froze. The crack that had once splintered the glass was smaller now; a thin, jagged line that barely stretched across the center. Your breath hitched, your eyes narrowing as you leaned in closer. 

Carefully, almost reverently, you rubbed your thumb over the glass. The motion was gentle, a part of you worried that pressing too hard might shatter the glass completely. For a moment, there was nothing; just the weight of the watch against your skin. But then you felt it.

A subtle pulse thrummed against your thumb, like the beat of a distant drum or the soft ripple of water under ice. You paused, your breath catching as the sensation traveled up your arm, faint but undeniable. Behind you, Flowey flinched. His eyes widened, as he leaned back slightly, his stem stiffening in surprise.

“Magic,” he murmured. His voice was quiet, like he was afraid speaking too loudly might disturb you. You swallowed hard, your voice dropping to a whisper.

“How is this possible? I thought… I thought I used all the remaining parts of her magic…” Your thumb traced the crack in the watch’s glass again, and your mind raced, spiraling into memories and questions that refused to take shape. The watch wasn’t supposed to have magic at all. You had drained it, utterly and completely when you banished yourself from your universe. 

The thought of it holding any residual power was impossible...wasn’t it? Flowey shifted, he was darting between your face and the watch. His leaves trembled faintly before stilling, and his voice, when it came, was soft, as if he was worried you would attack him if he said something wrong.

“What do you mean?” You sighed, dragging a hand over the back of your neck.  For a fleeting moment, you considered brushing him off.  Confiding in anyone here felt reckless, dangerous even. You didn't even know if you could trust anyone in this underground. 

But then you glanced back at him, and the sight gave you pause.

Flowey’s expression was unguarded in a way that caught you off guard. His wide eyes weren’t mocking or calculating; they were open, gentle, the kind of quiet sincerity you hadn’t seen in this universe. He wasn’t pushing, wasn’t demanding answers. He was waiting, giving you the space to decide.

“It’s… a long story,” you admitted. You shifted the watch in your hand, turning it slowly as light reflected off its surface. Standing abruptly, you walked a few steps, your boots scuffing lightly against the floor. The movement helped, grounding you as the words began to form. Flowey didn’t move from his spot, though his vines shifted slightly, brushing against the ground almost nervously. 

You stopped mid-step, turning the watch over in your palm. “This might explain a lot, or might make you think I am crazy, but I’m not from this universe.” Flowey’s eyes widened at that, clear shock on his face.

“In my world,” you continued, “there weren’t monsters or mages. There were… elementals. Beings tied to a single element. Mine is water.” You didn’t look at him as you spoke, almost as though you were talking to yourself.

“My mentor’s element was space and time. She was one of the most powerful elementals I’ve ever known. Brilliant, kind... all-knowing." Flowey’s gaze followed yours, his petals tilting slightly as though leaning toward the watch. You could tell he had questions but was fighting the urge to ask them, as if he somehow knew speaking would cause you to stop talking altogether. 

“And when an elemental dies…” You faltered, the words catching in your throat like they didn’t want to be spoken. A lump formed and you swallowed hard, willing yourself to continue. “if they’re strong enough, they leave behind what we call an elemental remnant.”

You held up the watch, turning it so the fractured surface faced the flower. His wide eyes narrowed slightly as he examined it, head tilting. “It’s… a piece of their element, of their magic. Unfortunately, remnants don't hold that much magic.” you continued, your voice soft. “Usually, there’s only enough for one spell. And I used it to save my universe.”

Your words hung in the air for a moment, and you could practically taste Flowey's confusion. His wide, unblinking eyes fixed on you, the usual sharpness in his gaze dulled by uncertainty. “I was sure that was the end of it,” you murmured, your thumb trailing over the crack again, almost compulsively. The cool surface of the watch seemed to pulse faintly under your touch, each thrum sending a shiver up your spine.

Flowey’s brows drew together, his small, leaf-like face creasing with an uncharacteristic furrow. His petals quivered slightly, the motion betraying his unease.

“And now?” he asked, his tone calm but edged with curiosity, though his wary eyes darted between you and the watch as if it might spring to life at any moment. Your gaze dropped back to the watch, its faint glow drawing your attention like a magnet. As if in answer to his question, the faint thrum of magic pulsed against your thumb again, stronger this time.

“It’s healing itself,” you said, disbelief threading through your voice as your grip tightened on the watch. Your brow furrowed, and your lips parted slightly, the words feeling foreign even as you spoke them. “I don’t know how, but somehow… it’s restoring its own magic supply.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means…” You hesitated, your breath hitching as the enormity of it all settled in your chest. Closing your eyes briefly, you tried to steady yourself, your fingers trembling against the watch’s cracked surface. When you opened them, your jaw tightened, resolve flickering behind your gaze. “It means I might be able to go back. Back to them. To the Underground I know.”

Flowey blinked, his petals twitching with visible confusion. His stem wavered, as if he was trying to steady himself against an unseen force. “Go back?” he repeated, his tone bewildered and higher-pitched than usual. “But… I don’t understand. What Underground?”

You sighed, your shoulders slumping under the weight of his gaze. The tension in your body began to drain, leaving a lingering ache in its place. “Right. This must be incredibly confusing for you,” you admitted, your voice tinged with exhaustion, though your lips pressed into a faint, humorless smile.

Flowey’s eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he was about to say something but thought better of it. His leaves rustled faintly, an unconscious motion that betrayed his unease.

For a moment, you considered how much to tell him. The story felt too complicated, but the look in Flowey’s wide, uncertain eyes made you continue. Carefully, you explained everything; how you used the pocket watch to stop the Shadowbringer, you told him of your Underground, of the monsters there, you even told him about how you came to this universe, and the being you had accidently brought here. 

Flowey stayed quiet as you spoke, his leaves twitching occasionally, his eyes flicking between the watch and your face with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. Though he didn’t interrupt, you could see the emotions playing out across his features: confusion, awe, and something that almost looked like pity.

By the time you finished, silence had fallen between you. Flowey’s stem swayed slightly, his petals trembling as though caught in a breeze only he could feel. Finally, he spoke, his voice careful, each word measured. “So… this remnant could get you back home?”

“Maybe,” you said, turning the watch over in your hands again as you slipped it back over your neck and underneath your coat.“If it keeps healing… if there’s enough magic… it’s possible.”

His leaves unfurled slightly as he processed everything until his expression shifted. “And you’d leave here?” he asked, almost hesitantly, his voice quieter now. You glanced at him, startled by the question. Something in his expression stopped you from answering right away, and you slowly crouched closer to his level, your brows furrowing. 

“I don’t belong here,” you said finally, your voice quiet but firm, though the words seemed to weigh heavier on your tongue than you expected. “This universe… it isn’t mine.”

Flowey didn’t respond immediately, but the way his petals lowered slightly, almost drooping, told you he’d heard you, even if he didn’t know what to say. His black eyes lingered on you for a moment longer before he looked away,

“I understand,” the flower said softly. You tilted your head, and you opened your mouth to say more, but he stopped you. With an almost exaggerated burst of energy, he looked up, a smile on his face. “I want to help you!”

The sudden shift caught you off guard and you blinked at him. “You want to… help me?” you asked, drawing the words out slowly.

“Yep!” Flowey chirped, nodding so enthusiastically that his petals quivered. His leaves stretched outward like little arms in a theatrical display. "Look, you've got no clue how this Underground works, not the way it is now. You’re gonna need someone who’s been around, someone who knows where the dangers are." He hesitated for a brief second, glancing up at you shyly, before his grin widened. "Someone like me!"

You straightened slightly, folding your arms as you studied him. “And I’m just supposed to believe that, huh?” Flowey’s grin faltered for a split second before bouncing back with renewed vigor.

Flowey's grin faltered just a bit, the tip of his leaf curling nervously. For a moment, he looked away, then he seemed to shake himself out of it, his voice softening but still trying to be convincing. "I mean, yeah, I know it sounds weird... but, think about it. You wouldn’t have told me all that stuff earlier if you didn’t think I could help, right?" His tone was hesitant, but there was a hint of hope in it as his eyes met yours again, his petals flicking nervously.

Your lips parted to object, but no words came out. He wasn’t wrong. For some odd reason, you trusted him. 

Flowey picked up on your hesitation, his voice becoming a bit gentler, almost pleading. "I’m not gonna hurt you. I promise. Down here, it’s not just about magic or strength—it’s about surviving and knowing where to go. I can help you with that. I can help you stay safe."

Your shoulders sagged slightly as you exhaled a long breath. Finally, you straightened up and gave a reluctant nod. “Fine,” you said reluctantly. 

Flowey’s grin stretched wide, lighting up his small face as he practically bounced in place, his leaves flapping like wings. “Yes! You won’t regret it-”

“But,” you cut in sharply, your voice firm as you knelt back down to his level. The sudden shift in your tone stopped Flowey mid-celebration, his petals tilting uncertainly. “You need to promise me something first.” Your gaze locked with his, unflinching and intense. “No tricks, no games. If you’re going to help me, your intentions need to be good. Swear it.”

Flowey hesitated for a fraction of a second, his grin faltering as he took in your serious expression. Then, with an exaggerated flourish, he raised one of his leaves like a hand and pressed it dramatically to his chest. “Cross my petals and hope to… uh, wither?” he said with a sheepish laugh.  “I promise! No tricks, no games. Just good, honest helping.”

Your gaze lingered on him, searching for any trace of a lie. For a moment, neither of you moved. Then, slowly, your shoulders relaxed, and your expression softened. Letting out a breath, you muttered, “I can’t believe I’m doing this…”

Straightening up, you added, louder this time, “Alright. Then I’ll make you a promise, too. If you keep your word and help me, I’ll protect you. But if you break that promise…” You let the unfinished threat hang in the air, but the flower didn't seem bothered. In fact, his petals quivered with excitement, his grin turning downright giddy.

“Deal!” he chirped.. He wiggled his leaves eagerly, looking as though he might burst with joy. You cleared your throat, brushing your hands against your pants as you rose to your feet. A biting chill raced through the air, and you shivered as the cold seeped through your clothes.  Wrapping your arms tightly around yourself, you glanced down at Flowey, who was bouncing beside you, staring at you eagerly as if awaiting your orders. 

Let's hope I don't regret this. 

“First order of business,” you said briskly, “we need to find some wood for a fire.”

Flowey nodded quickly, his leaves twitching as though he felt the cold too. “O-Okay! A fire sounds great! Uh… wood, right? Yeah, wood. I can help with that! I mean… probably. Snow everywhere and all, but we’ll figure it out! I'm really good at finding things!” He gave a hesitant but encouraging smile, his petals curling slightly.

You gave him a sideways glance, unable to stop the small smile forming on your lips. “I'll take your word for it.” 

Y’know, I’ve read about survival stuff! Well, heard about it, really. Like, you’re supposed to find dry wood, right? Not the wet stuff, ‘cause that won’t burn. Oh, oh! What about over there?” He pointed with a leaf toward a cluster of underbrush poking out from beneath the snow.

You squinted. “That’s just a bush.”

“Yeah, but it’s a bush with twigs! Dry ones, maybe!” he said, practically vibrating with excitement. “Come on, it’s worth a shot, right?” With a sigh, you crouched down, brushing away the snow to gather the brittle twigs. The cold bit at your fingers, but at least the task gave you something to focus on. Flowey hovered nearby, still talking a mile a minute.

“See? I told you! Problem solved! Well, okay, not completely solved, but it’s a start! And you need these smaller twigs to start it right? That’s, like, basic logic!” He paused, then quickly added, “Not that I’m trying to tell you what to do or anything! I mean, you’re great at this already! I’m just… y’know… helping!”

“You’re awfully chatty,” you said easily, glancing at him as you stood. “Weren’t you quieter before?”

Flowey gasped, his petals curling inward slightly. “W-Well, yeah! I mean, we’re kinda on the same side now, right? And besides…” He hesitated, looking down. “It’s nice to… not be alone. For once.”

You paused at that, your brow furrowing as you stared at him. The way his voice softened, the way he wouldn’t quite meet your gaze, it made you stop. You hadn’t even thought about how this Flowey felt about being alone, and something in your chest tugged at you.

“Well, you’re not alone now,” you said, your tone matter-of-fact but not unkind. “So, keep moving. We’ve got a fire to make.” Flowey blinked, his petals perking up slightly as he looked at you.

“R-Right! Yeah, totally!" He gave a nervous laugh, his voice brightening as he resumed chattering. The stillness of the forest stretched around you, broken only by the soft crunch of your boots and Flowey’s endless stream of words as you both continued to search.

You sighed, shaking your head slightly, though there was a faint hint of amusement tugging at your lips. “Yeah. I can tell.”

Flowey’s leaves fluttered as though encouraged by the response, his chatter picking up speed. Meanwhile, your eyes scanned the snow-covered forest floor, the brittle twigs and frozen ground reflecting the eerie stillness of the woods. The occasional crunch of your boots was the only other sound, save for Flowey’s voice.

“Still, it’s weird being out here, huh? So quiet. I mean, not that I’m complaining! Quiet is fine! Quiet is safe! But…” Flowey’s voice trailed off briefly, and you glanced at him, surprised by the momentary lapse in his enthusiasm.

Before you could say anything, he spoke up again, his tone shifting to something more curious. “Hey, by the way… why can’t I sense any magic from you right now?" You kept walking, not surprised by his question in the slightest. 

“I think it has something to do with the CORE,” you said after a moment, your tone even but slightly distracted. “You know the machine that brought me here.” You crouched to brush some snow off a branch, testing its dryness. “When it sucked me and the Shadowbringer in, I think it temporarily drained both of our soul magic to power itself. Hopefully, my elemental magic will come back soon,”

Flowey blinked, his petals quivering slightly. “Huh. That’s… weird,” he said, his tone more thoughtful than his usual carefree chatter. He bounced a little closer as if inspecting you. “But I guess it makes sense. It would take a massive amount of energy to transport you. And soul magic? That’s the good stuff. Super potent, super hard to come by.” He grinned suddenly, his tone shifting back to his usual lighthearted banter. “Guess that makes you, like, a walking battery, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms to ward off the cold. “Thanks for the flattering comparison,” you said dryly, brushing snow off your hands. The sarcasm in your tone wasn’t particularly sharp, it was more tired than anything else. His face lit up in a bright grin, undeterred by your lack of enthusiasm.

“I mean it! You're, really cool! If I had magic like that, I bet nobody would mess with me!” He tilted his head, a flicker of something wistful passing over his expression before he added, “But how does it feel not having them right now? That’s gotta be super weird. Maybe even kind of scary.”

You glanced at him, your expression softening for just a moment. His wide eyes and curious tilt made him look less like the schemer you’d half-expected and more like a kid trying to make sense of things. “It’s not ideal,” you admitted, tugging your coat tighter around you. “But I can hold my own without magic.”

Flowey’s petals twitched, and his grin faltered slightly. “You really think so?” He shifted, his stem curling as though uneasy. “This place isn’t exactly friendly. The monsters here don’t play nice, y’know? Even with magic, it’s... dangerous.”

You hesitated, watching him, a flicker of unease shooting through you. But you shook it off, focusing back on the forest. The towering trees loomed overhead, their branches clawing at the grey sky. Your eyes snagged on one in particular; a tree with wide, arching boughs that created a canopy shielding the ground beneath it from most of the snowfall. Nestled in the shadows was a cluster of dry sticks. Perfect.

“There!” you exclaimed, excitement sparking in your chest as you hurried toward the spot. Your boots crunched against the snow, the sound sharp in the otherwise quiet forest. But just as you reached out for the pile of sticks, something snapped tight around your ankle.

Before you could react, the world flipped upside down. A sharp snap sounded below, and suddenly a rope snare yanked you violently off your feet. The ground disappeared, replaced by a dizzying rush of sky and trees as you dangled awkwardly from a branch. The blood rushed to your head, making everything feel heavier.

Your arms flailed instinctively, trying to grab hold of something, anything, to steady yourself, but all you found was air. Gravity mocked you, pulling your hair down toward the snowy ground far below. “Oh, come on,” you muttered, your voice flat despite the adrenaline now coursing through your veins. You hung there, swaying slightly, and took a deep breath. “Of course. Why wouldn’t this happen?”

Flowey let out a dramatic gasp, his petals flaring wide as he bounced backward like he’d been physically struck. “Oh no, no, no! This is bad. This is really bad!” His voice pitched higher as he circled nervously at the base of the tree, his leaves twitching as if he didn’t know whether to run or stay. “Are you okay?! You’re okay, right? Please tell me you’re okay!”

“Define ‘okay,’” you said, your voice dry as you twisted slightly, trying to assess your predicament. The movement only made the rope creak ominously, and you froze, instinctively gripping the cord above your ankle. “Because if ‘okay’ means dangling upside down in a forest, caught in a trap that could’ve been designed by a particularly vindictive squirrel, then sure, I’m peachy.”

Flowey bounced closer, his voice a frantic whisper as his eyes darted around the clearing. “This isn’t just something to joke about! Whoever set this… they’re serious! You have to get down-now!”

You raised an eyebrow, though your heart hammered painfully in your chest. His panic wasn’t exactly reassuring. “Oh, really? I thought I’d just hang out up here for a bit,” you shot back, twisting again to inspect the knot. Your fingers brushed the rope, but it was tied tightly, almost professionally. You let out a breath, the knot you needed to undo just out of reach.

Flowey shrank back slightly, his leaves curling inward. “I’m serious! If they find you, they’re gonna…” His voice faltered, trembling. “They’ll kill you! Okay? That’s what they’ll do!” That gave you pause. You stared down at him, your stomach twisting uneasily at the fear in his eyes. It wasn’t just panic; it was real, bone-deep terror. And yet, he hadn’t run off. He stayed.

“Well,” you muttered, forcing calm into your voice despite the knot tightening in your chest, “thanks for the motivational speech. You’re great at keeping me calm, you know that?”

Flowey didn’t respond immediately. His gaze darted frantically across the forest as though expecting something to burst out of the shadows at any moment. “Forget calm!” he snapped, his tone more desperate than angry. “You’ve got bigger problems!”

You shifted slightly, trying to ignore the uncomfortable pull in your leg and the blood pounding in your temples. Your eyes scanned the immediate area, searching for anything useful, a broken branch, a rock, but your attention snagged on something that made your stomach drop.

Just below, half-buried in snow, lay a set of crude, rusted spikes. They were arranged in a jagged line directly beneath the branch you hung from. The rope around your ankle stretched taut, connected to a simple but deadly mechanism designed to send you hurtling straight toward them if triggered. 

“Well,” you muttered grimly, “That’s just fantastic.”

Flowey followed your gaze, and his face fell, his petals drooping as though the weight of the situation was too much for him. “Oh no…” he whispered, his voice barely audible. Then louder, with more urgency: “Okay, okay, don’t panic. I mean, I’m panicking, but you shouldn’t! I’ll… I’ll figure something out. Just...don’t move! And don’t die!”

You shot him a look, unable to suppress a faint smirk despite the tension. “Solid plan, Flowey. Really inspiring.”

Flowey huffed, his leaves shaking as he glared up at you. “Hey! I’m doing my best here! Maybe if you hadn’t stepped right into the trap-”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault?” you interrupted, your voice carrying more exasperation than anger. Still, even as the words left your mouth, you couldn’t help the gnawing guilt that followed.

You’d been distracted, too distracted, and you knew it. A nagging voice in the back of your mind reminded you that if you’d been paying more attention, you might have caught whatever you missed before it became a problem. It wasn’t like you to let your guard down, not here, not in a place like this. You should have been scanning your surroundings, keeping track of every sound, every shadow. Instead, your thoughts had been elsewhere, tangled up in worries you couldn’t quite shake. You berated yourself silently, your fingers clenching slightly at your sides.

[Name] You’re better than this.

“I’m just saying, you should’ve watched where you were going!” Flowey shot back, puffing up slightly before deflating just as quickly. “But… uh… you’ll be fine. Probably. Just... just hang tight! I’ll figure something out. I promise!” As he darted around the base of the tree, muttering to himself about knots and traps, you couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of frustration and gratitude. Flowey was loud, overly dramatic, and honestly a little annoying; but he was still there. He hadn’t left you hanging. Literally.

Flowey froze, his eyes darting between you and the mechanism. “Okay, okay, think, Flowey, think…” He began bouncing closer to the tree, muttering to himself. “I have no hands, and if I cut the rope with my bullets you'll be shot into those spikes… Argh, why couldn’t you have landed in a normal trap?!”

The rope creaked ominously above you, each groan of tension sending a fresh spike of anxiety through your chest. You twisted again, ignoring the way the coarse fibers bit painfully into your ankle, and squinted toward the knot that was just out of reach a you tried to lean for it once more. 

“Alright,”You forced yourself to take a steadying breath, schooling your expression into something closer to composure. “If you can’t cut the rope, try… I don’t know, blocking the spikes or something?”

Flowey flinched at your suggestion, his petals twitching like startled birds. “Blocking the spikes? Sure, no problem. Easy-peasy,” he muttered, though his voice cracked under the weight of false confidence. He bounced toward the mechanism, his leaves trembling as he craned his neck to inspect it from a safe distance. His pupils shrank slightly as he got a better look. “Oh, great. Just great. This thing looks way too complicated!”

“Flowey!” you barked, your tone sharper than you intended. The panic was bubbling up, and your patience was running thin.

“I’m trying!” he snapped back, his voice high-pitched and strained. His petals bristled, but the fear in his eyes gave him away. “Just—don’t move too much, okay? The rope might suddenly trigger the-”

Another low creak from the tree silenced him mid-sentence. His entire body stiffened, his leaves pulling inward defensively. He glanced back at you, guilt and panic swirling in his expression. For all his bluster, he looked like he might bolt at the slightest sound.

“You’re not gonna die, alright?” he blurted, his voice almost frantic. “I-I won’t let you die!”

You swallowed hard, forcing a small, reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “I’m not going to die, Flowey,” you said, trying to sound steady even as your heartbeat thundered in your ears. Your gaze swept over the snow-covered forest, scanning the shadows for movement.

“You don’t know that!” Flowey shot back, his voice cracking. His petals drooped slightly, but his leaves twitched with restless energy. “Do you even know who sets traps like this? It’s not some random monster! It’s him. And if he finds us, he’s gonna turn me into some kind of-of floral snack!”

“Floral snack?” you repeated, a dry chuckle slipping past your lips despite yourself. “That’s your biggest worry right now?”

“Well, yeah!” he hissed, his petals puffing out again, indignant. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to be eaten alive? I don’t think so!” Your faint smile faltered as the rope creaked again. The coarse fibers dug deeper into your skin, sending a sharp sting through your leg. You twisted slightly, trying to alleviate the pressure, but all it earned you was another groan from the branch above.

“I was going to ask if this monster actually eats flowers,” you muttered, “but-"

Your words died in your throat as the faint crunch of snow reached your ears. It wasn’t the erratic movements of an animal. No, this was different. Your breath hitched as every nerve in your body screamed at you to run, but the rope held you fast. You craned your neck, straining to peer into the darkness between the trees.

Flowey froze mid-bounce, his wide, black eyes darting nervously between you and the forest. “Oh no,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. Then louder: “Oh no, oh no, oh no!” His petals trembled violently, and he began bouncing in place, his movements erratic and panicked.

“Flowey, hide,” you hissed, your eyes never leaving the shifting shadows.

“What?!” he squeaked, spinning toward you with a look of sheer disbelief. His petals flared dramatically, and his leaves splayed out in agitation. “You can’t be serious! I’m not leaving you!”

“You have to,” you insisted, twisting again despite the sharp jolt of pain that shot up your leg. The movement made the rope groan ominously, but you ignored it, fixing Flowey with a fierce glare. “If you get caught, you’ll get dusted. You can’t help me if you’re dead, Flowey.”

His expression crumpled, the bravado draining from his face as he recoiled slightly. “B-but…” His voice wavered, and he glanced between you and the forest, torn. “What if you—”

“I’ll be fine,” you cut him off, though the tightness in your chest betrayed your own uncertainty. You swallowed hard, trying to steady your breathing as the crunching footsteps grew closer. “Just go. Please.” 

For a moment, Flowey hesitated, his eyes locking onto yours. Then, with a frustrated growl, he spun around and darted into the snow,. You winced, your pulse pounding in your ears and drowning out the faint rustle of wind through the trees. But your hammering heart didn't block out the sound of the crunching snow. Each step grew louder, and you stilled, your breath shallow and quick, the cold air stinging your lungs as your gaze darted between the trees.

And then he appeared. 

Your eyes snapped to his face, and the air seemed to catch in your throat. His sockets glowed with a bright red light, the fiery hue casting jagged, flickering shadows across his angular skull. His sockets widened slightly at the sight of you, the eyelight expanding in surprise before narrowing into a dangerous, focused glare. Immediately you were drawn to the deep mark that was carved over his right socket, and your brow furrowed. 

A tattered red cape hung from his shoulders, as he came to a stop in front of you, easily towering over you, even as you hung from a tree.  His mouth twisted into a sharp grin, the jagged edges of his skeletal teeth giving you the impression of a predator who had just cornered its prey. You froze, unable to move as recognition slammed into you like a physical blow, robbing you of breath. 

Papyrus.

“WHAT IS THIS?” he bellowed. His voice was deep, loud, and commanding. The sheer force of it vibrated in your chest, and you flinched, your hands tightening around the rope holding you. His eyelights bore into you, his eyelights narrowing with suspicion even as they lingered on you with barely concealed curiosity. His head tilted slightly, and for a brief moment, you thought you saw something else flicker in his expression, But it was gone as quickly as it came.

You didn't realize that he expected you to cry, to beg for mercy, or perhaps to grovel pathetically for your release. That was how humans usually reacted, wasn’t it? They were fragile things, prone to fear, and he was almost hoping, no, craving, to see that fear etched across your face. 

But you didn’t cry. You didn’t beg.

You didn’t flinch. You didn’t scream.

You didn’t even try to struggle. Instead, you stayed unnervingly calm, your expression unreadable as you stared at him. It wasn’t desperation; it was focus. A quiet, stubborn defiance radiated from you as if he was nothing more than a passing inconvenience.

Papyrus’s grin faltered for the briefest moment, a flicker of confusion crossing his face before it was quickly replaced by his usual bravado. “WELL? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF, HUMAN? DO YOU REALIZE THE GRAVITY OF YOUR SITUATION?” he demanded, stepping even closer, his voice louder now. You only stared not realizing that for the first time, Papyrus felt the faintest chill, not from the cold of the forest, but from the sheer audacity of your composure.

However, inside you were nothing close to composed. You were frozen, your breath caught somewhere between disbelief and a strange, painful hope. Your heart pounded in your chest, but not out of fear. No, this was something else. Because in your mind, he wasn’t this angry, almost hateful, monster looming over you with malicious intent. No, in your mind, he was someone else.

Someone bright.

Someone kind.

Someone who once radiated joy as naturally as the sun radiates warmth.

Papyrus.

The name whispered through your mind like a forgotten melody, and with it came memories. You saw him standing tall, chest puffed out with pride, his toothy grin stretching impossibly wide. “I WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL GUARD!” he’d declared, his voice brimming with a boundless, contagious determination that had made you believe he could be.

You saw him in the kitchen, flour smudged across his cheekbones, his long fingers carefully balancing a plate of spaghetti that could only be described as “abstract.” His voice echoed in your ears: “IT’S AN ARTISTIC MASTERPIECE!” He’d been so sincere, so impossibly earnest, that your laughter had bubbled up despite yourself.

You saw him looking at you, those wide, sincere sockets locking onto yours as if they could see straight into your soul. “I'M GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS MY FRIEND, [NAME]." His voice had been happy, so genuine that it had struck you like a bolt, filling you with a warmth you hadn't felt in years. Those memories, those precious, warm memories, wrapped around you and for a fleeting moment, you could almost convince yourself it was him.

“WHAT’S WRONG, HUMAN?” His voice shattered the illusion like glass, its sharp edge cutting through the haze of nostalgia. It dripped with malice, a cruel mockery of the voice you’d once cherished. He took a step closer, his sockets narrowing with wicked amusement. “TOO TERRIFIED TO SPEAK? GOOD! TREMBLE BEFORE THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE PAPYRUS!”

“It’s you,” you breathed, the words escaping before you could think to stop them. This Papyrus froze. For the briefest of moments, his sockets widened in confusion, the glow within them flickering unevenly. The smirk on his face faltered, replaced by something far more guarded.

“WHAT?” The word came sharp and quick, but not in a mocking way. There was a pause, the air between you heavy, as though he didn’t know whether to be suspicious or intrigued by your reaction.

Your gaze softened, your chest tightening painfully as you looked at him. The skeletal figure before you was undeniably Papyrus, but at the same time, he wasn’t. His edges were sharper, and the warmth you remembered so clearly was gone, replaced by something different.

What am I doing? This isn't my Papyrus. This wasn’t the friend who had so earnestly asked you if he was good enough, who had cared so deeply about being seen and appreciated. Your breath hitched as the memories in your mind faded, replaced by the cold, hard reality of the present as the ghosts of the past lingered in the back of your mind. 

Chapter Text

You swallowed the lump forming in your throat, willing your voice to steady despite the pressure constricting your chest. The rope dug painfully into your ankle, the coarse fibers biting into your skin, and the blood rushing to your head made your vision pulse at the edges. It was hard to think, hard to focus with the world turned upside down. 

"I mean, I've heard of you," you lied. "You're Papyrus. Captain of the Royal Guard." For a moment, his sockets flickered with something unreadable. Then, confusion melted into unmistakable pride, and his smirk stretched wider.

"OF COURSE YOU HAVE! WHO HASN'T HEARD OF A MONSTER DESTINED TO BRING GLORY TO THE UNDERGROUND?" His voice boomed with unshakable certainty, vibrating through your very bones.

You fought to focus, to stay sharp, but it was difficult with the throbbing in your skull growing more persistent. The rope swayed slightly as he stepped closer as his smirk faltered, twisting into a sneer.

"AND YET, YOU DON'T LOOK IMPRESSED." You kept your expression carefully blank, but inwardly, your pulse quickened. He didn't seem to notice. "TELL ME, HUMAN," he continued, "WHY IS IT THAT YOU DON'T TREMBLE BEFORE ME? WHY DO YOU NOT BEG FOR MERCY?" He leaned in slightly, the glow of his sockets narrowing into pinpricks. "ARE YOU BRAVE? OR ARE YOU JUST A FOOL?" 

"A bit of both."

Papyrus's sockets flickered, something unreadable passing through them before he let out a sharp bark of laughter. "YOU..." His smirk widened as he lifted a skeletal hand, flexing his fingers as though already picturing them wrapped around your throat. "YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BY MY HAND."

You held his stare, ignoring the way your body ached, the way your lungs burned from being upside down for too long. Your Papyrus had always wanted to prove himself. To be something greater. To be seen. This Papyrus didn't seem any different, and you could use that.  His hand lifted, and with a snap of his fingers, a bone appeared in his hand. It hovered just inches from your face, so close you could feel the magic radiating off of it.

"ANY LAST WORDS, HUMAN?" You raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference as your mind raced for a way out of this.

"Not really. Though this is kinda lame. Honestly, I expected more from the Great and Terrible Papyrus." He paused, his eyelights narrowing as he straightened. 

 "WHAT?" His voice cracked slightly, his smirk shifting into a scowl. You tilted your head, trying to make yourself look as bored as possible. 

"I mean, what kind of Captain kills a human while they are tied up? Feels more like a coward’s move than a real fighter's." His sockets flared, the glow within them blazing like fire.

"COWARD?! HOW DARE YOU?!" He stomped closer, towering over you, and his hands clenched into fists as the bone in his hand disappeared. "I AM NOT COWARDLY! I AM THE MOST FEARLESS, MOST POWERFUL MONSTER IN THE UNDERGROUND! I DON’T NEED TRICKS TO BEAT YOU!" 

Before you could brace yourself, he surged forward and grabbed your ankle in one brutal motion. You barely had time to gasp as the blade edge of a summoned bone sliced clean through the rope. The world flipped.

WHAM

The landing knocked the breath from your lungs. You hit the ground hard, first on your side, then your back as the momentum rolled you. Your elbow slammed a hidden rock beneath the powder and exploded with pain.  A shadow fell across you. His boot came down, fast and heavy, straight toward your ribs. You rolled, snow scraping across your cheek and sticking to your lashes. His boot missed by inches, striking the ground with a shuddering thud right where your chest had just been.

“HAH!” he barked above you, breath curling into the frozen air like smoke. “I THOUGHT YOU WANTED A FIGHT!”

You shoved yourself up. “I wanted a fair one,” you rasped. His sockets flashed with fury as he lunged again. You barely threw yourself behind a tree, bark scratching your back, when his fist cracked into the trunk like a cannonball. Snow exploded from the branches in a thick flurry, and the wood groaned under the force.

You twisted out behind him. He turned, fast, but not fast enough. You ducked low, pivoted, and kicked the back of his leg. It wasn’t enough to drop him, but it staggered him as his boot slid over the slick ice hidden beneath the powder. You didn’t wait. You ran.

"COME BACK HERE!” He screamed as he came barreling after, magic flaring violently. A row of jagged bones burst into the clearing, hurling after you like spears. You ducked, twisted, and zigzagged between tree trunks. The bones whistled through the air, some shattering against trees, others snapping off branches with sharp cracks. One almost grazed your shoulder, but a thick limb took the brunt, splintering above your head. Snow cascaded around you again.

You dove behind a fallen log, sucking down breath after breath. Your lungs felt raw, like they were full of ice. No magic. No weapons. But you had something.  Your Papyrus always led with his left. You just had to count on that still being true.

"YOU KEEP RUNNING," he roared again, somewhere nearby. "WHO’S THE COWARD NOW?!”

“Still you!” you said, trying to get him angrier, you stepped back into the clearing, boots crunching through the frost. He turned toward you like a bull charging red. He lunged. You let him. You stepped aside at the last second and his foot slammed down on a half-buried root, one you’d seen on your earlier retreat, and his balance wobbled.

You ducked low, grabbed a thick, broken branch, and with everything you had left, you swung it hard like a staff. It cracked against his legs and he dropped like stone. His face hit the snow, a burst of white flying up around him. You didn’t give him time to recover. You scrambled up onto his back, knees digging hard into his shoulder blades. You could feel the raw bone beneath the pressure of your kneecaps.

“GET. OFF. ME!” he snarled, trying to roll. A flash of light. Another bone. You grabbed his wrist mid-conjure and slammed it down, hard. His own bone sparked into existence beneath his chin, and caught there. His eye sockets widened as he choked on a sound of shock. The bone didn’t pierce him, but it pressed just hard enough to make him freeze. 

I can't believe that worked. Snow clung to your face, to your lashes, to your lips. Your ankle throbbed from the drop. You could already tell it would swell. Your ribs ached where you’d hit the ground earlier. Every inhale was sharp, raw. Your fingers were stiff with cold and effort. But you had him. He knew it. He stilled. Just his eye light glowing under the shadow of his brow ridge, locked onto yours.

And in his sockets you see it, only for a split second, but you recognize it to be fear. You take a deep breath and slowly slide off him and rapidly take a few steps backward.

"I win." You say easily, a smile on your face. He didn’t move for a moment. Then he did, shoving the bone aside with a growl, pushing himself upright. For a moment, you really thought he was going to attack you again. But he didn’t.

“WHY?” he spat, confusion curling in his voice now. “WHY DIDN’T YOU FINISH IT?! I NEVER ASKED FOR YOUR MERCY!” You give him a crooked little smile.

"I was fighting for my life. Not to take yours.” He stared at you, his eye lights widening slightly as his jagged mouth opens slightly. You didn’t wait for a reply. You turned, limping away. The pain in your ankle bloomed with every step, sharp and slow. You winced, teeth clenched, breath hitching in the cold. But you didn’t stop. Behind you, the snow crunched beneath your feet, your trail stark against the otherwise untouched white.

Papyrus didn’t follow. Didn’t move. Didn’t speak. He stood there, snow drifting down like feathers all around him, motionless and silent, watching you vanish into the trees.

And he just… let you go.

It wasn't long before he was out of view as the cold bit at your cheeks as you limped through the snow draped trees, the forest quiet aside from the crunch of your steps and the whistle of the wind threading through the pines. Your ankle pulsed with each movement, sore and stiff, but not broken, just another ache to add to the list.

You didn’t get far before something rustled near your feet.

“Whoa,” Flowey whispered, blinking up at you, his voice hushed and wide-eyed. “Are you okay?”

You stopped and looked down at him. “I’m fine,” you said, your voice a little more tired than you intended. “Just bruised.”

“I saw everything,” Flowey said, popping up a bit higher now, more animated. “You fought Papyrus. You fought him! And-and you actually held your own! That was insane!”

You let out a soft laugh, the kind that barely rises before it falls. “It wasn’t really a win.”

“Are you kidding?! You didn’t have magic, or weapons, he had the upper hand from the start! And still, you-” He faltered, his leaves twitching. “I wanted to help, y’know. When I saw what was happening. But… I didn’t.”

"Don't worry about it." You're words are simple, but they seem to help cheer him up as he straightens. It is quiet between the both of you for a bit before he speaks up once more. 

 “There’s one thing I don’t get.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“That moment. At the end. You had him. You could’ve ended it.” His voice was sharper now, confused, almost frustrated. “Why didn’t you?” You looked ahead, toward the shed that was slowly emerging from the trees again. Your temporary home. 

“I saw something in him,” you said after a moment. “Something familiar. Something that reminded me of… my Papyrus.” Flowey didn’t respond at first. Then his voice dropped, colder than before.

“He would’ve killed you.” You didn’t say anything.

“If he had been the one on your back, he would’ve done it. No hesitation.” Flowey’s petals bristled now, his tone edged with something harsh, and in this moment he looked exactly like that Flowey you knew.

“I know it’s different here,” 

“Do you?” Flowey pressed, almost snapping. “You keep looking at them like they’re just lost. Like if you say the right thing, or look at them the right way, they’ll suddenly remember who they were. But this isn’t your Underground. These monsters aren’t confused or scared or harmless. They're angry, and they don’t trust anyone.” You didn’t look at him. Your eyes were on the shed now.

“You hesitate like that again,” Flowey added softly, “and you might not get another chance to walk away.” You reached the door, fingers resting on the handle.

“…Maybe,” you said finally. “But if I stop seeing them for more than what they are now, if I stop trying to find anything worth saving, then I’m no better than the monsters you’re warning me about.” You opened the door. A breath of pine and melting frost drifted in as you stepped in. Flowey followed after a beat, coming in through the broken cracks in the floor. 

You dropped onto the bed with a quiet groan, untying your boot and carefully prodding your ankle. It was swollen, tender, but manageable. Flowey watched you from near the door, unusually quiet again. You could tell he was a bit angry with you, but you weren't going to write all of these monsters off just yet. As you finally sit, allowing yourself to relax, you realize your eyelids are heavy, and a yawn escapes you. 

"You must be tired. I haven't seen you sleep once." Flowey grumbles, already heading out the door. "I'll keep watch, and you better be asleep when I come and check on you." With that, he disappears into the dirt with a pop. A breath of amusement escapes you as you turn to lie down, staring at the concave ceiling above you. 

He was right, you hadn't slept since you got here. Let's be honest, you haven't really slept for days before you got here either. You pulled the blanket up, it was a patchy thing, thin and fraying at the edges. But it smelled faintly like pine needles and smoke, and for some reason, that helped. You shifted slowly, curling onto your side.

The cot creaked beneath you. Your fingers curled slightly around the edge of the blanket. The air nipped at your nose, and your ankle throbbed gently in time with your heartbeat. But for once, you weren’t moving. You weren’t fighting. You weren’t running.

You thought about him. Not the Papyrus you fought in the snow, but your Papyrus. 

You missed him. Your heart ached with it. But something about the way this Papyrus had paused when you smiled at him, something about how he hadn’t summoned another bone in that last moment, it stuck with you.

Maybe you were wrong. Maybe you were naive. But… You’d rather be naive than forget who they could be. The snow settled harder against the roof. The wind howled, low and distant. And slowly, your eyes began to close, and when sleep overtook you, for the first time in a long while, you didn’t fight it.

*          *          *          *          * 

A long time passed before you awoke again. At first, the world was nothing but a heavy blur, the faint smell of earth and wood grounding you as the weight of sleep slowly lifted. You blinked into the dim light filtering through the slats of the small shed. A cool draft slipped through the cracks, brushing your skin and pulling you further from the haze.

You sat up stiffly, wincing as your joints protested. The cramped cot beneath you creaked in protest as you swung your legs over the edge. You frowned, unsure what had woken you. It didn’t matter now; your muscles screamed for movement after lying still for so long. And unfortunately your ankle still throbbed. 

Wrapping your coat tighter around you, you stepped out into the crisp air. Frost clung to the trees, their skeletal branches reaching skyward.

You hadn’t picked a direction. You weren’t really going anywhere. It just felt better to move, to let the cold press into your lungs and scatter the thoughts you’d been choking on since morning.

It wasn’t long before you noticed Flowey trailing behind you. He didn’t announce himself.

His petals bobbed faintly in the breeze, golden face angled up at you with that same unreadable stillness from earlier.

You glanced down at him. He didn’t speak.

Usually, Flowey filled silence like a leaky faucet. Steady, annoying, and impossible to ignore. But this time? Nothing. Just that weird tension in his vines, the way they stayed close to his stem like a cat curling in on itself. Defensive. Watchful.

You didn’t say anything either. If he wanted quiet, fine. You’d take it.

The snow stretched on before you like a blank canvas, soft and untouched, save for a few monster tracks leading toward the hills. Your limbs loosened with each step, the sting of cold sinking into your fingertips and cheeks in a way that somehow grounded you. It was easier to breathe out here.

You started to forget he was even there.

That is, until Flowey’s petals twitched, and his face darkened, not his usual fearful look you noticed.

You followed his gaze.

A little ways ahead, a group of monster kids were pelting each other with snowballs, shrieking and giggling on a gentle slope. One slid down on their belly like a penguin while the others took aim at their flailing limbs. Their laughter rang through the air, warm and bright against the cold.

Your chest tightened with something unexpected. It was… nice. 

Sans had told you that monster kids all wore striped sweaters, something about tradition or visibility, maybe both. The colors clashed horrendously, and you kind of loved it. Some things, apparently, didn’t change between universes.

You knelt in the snow, propping an elbow on your knee, half smiling as you watched them. The cold soaked into your jeans, but you didn’t care.

Flowey didn’t share your appreciation.

His vines twitched erratically at his sides, petals curling in like he was bracing for impact. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth, his voice low and trembling with something that felt older than anger.

“They’re ruthless,” he muttered, and for a second, you weren’t sure he was even talking to you.

You turned toward him slowly, brow raised. “They’re just kids.”

He scoffed, like you were the one being naive. “That’s what they want you to think. All sweet and harmless... It’s a setup. It always is.”

You watched as one of the children, smaller than the others, as they launched a snowball that hit their scarf-wrapped friend directly in the face. There was a beat of stunned silence… and then both dissolved into hysterical laughter. Another kid joined in, trying to throw two snowballs at once, only to spin and land flat on their back.

You snorted. “Yeah,” you said dryly, eyes twinkling. “Real sinister. We better run before they form a snowball militia.”

Flowey bristled, his vines curling tighter, eyes never leaving the kids. “You’re not listening. They know we’re here. They can feel us.”

“They haven’t even looked over here.”

“They don’t have to,” he whispered, conspiratorial and intense. “They’ve got instincts. They’re pretending not to notice. Waiting for us to lower our guard.” You fought back a laugh. There was something so sincere about his delusion, it made it almost endearing. Almost.

Then one of the kids tripped and face-planted into the snow with a muffled squeak, their striped scarf flying off dramatically.

That did it. You cracked. Laughter burst out of you, sudden and bright. You doubled over, clutching your ribs as warmth bloomed behind your sternum. It felt… good. Like shaking off dust you hadn’t realized had settled in your lungs.

Then you froze. Because the hill had gone silent.

You looked up.

Three sets of wide, unblinking eyes were fixed on you from the top of the slope. One of the monster kids, the smaller one, bundled in oversized mittens and still clutching a lumpy snowball, had gone still. The other 

And the third… your breath caught. Memories flashed in your mind, and for a moment you swore you saw dust in the air. 

Liz’s brother. You shook your head. Didn’t even let the memory fully form. Just felt it, sharp and uninvited.

“Oh,” you breathed. “Well. Shit.”

The scarfed one yelped, stumbling back. “It spoke!”

“That’s a human!” hissed Liz’s brother, you were now sure of it. He planted himself in front of the other two protectively, tail lashing like an angry cat. “It’s gonna kill us!” Your first instinct was to raise your hands. So you did, slowly, palms out and open.

“Hey, it’s okay,” you said, calm but clear. “I’m not going to hurt you. Promise.” Liz's brother didn’t move. His glare was fierce, but there was a tremble in it. A flicker of fear trying too hard to disguise itself as fury.

“Humans lie,” he snapped. “They act nice. Then they hurt you.”

“I’m not lying,” you said gently. “I don’t even have a weapon. Look.” You wriggled your empty fingers like you were about to do a magic trick. No one was impressed.

“You don’t need a weapon,” muttered the scarfed kid, stepping closer to the mittened one. “You’re a human. That’s dangerous enough.” The mittened kid nodded, hugging their snowball like a safety blanket.

You tried to smile, even though your heart was drumming against your ribs. “I get it,” you said. “Humans haven’t exactly made a great impression. But I’m not like that. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Least of all kids.”The tension didn’t break, but it shifted. The postures loosened, just a little. Like they were no longer deciding whether to run, but whether they had to.

Then Flowey piped up. “Told you they were dangerous,” he said matter-of-factly.

Your head whipped toward him. “Not helping.”

“Wasn’t trying to,” he muttered, shrinking into the snow with the grace of a gremlin who’d just tossed a match into a gasoline puddle and was now reconsidering.

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Okay. Deep breath. Let’s try this again.” You looked back at the kids, putting your best “not a threat” expression on. “I really was just walking. That’s all.”

“Walking?” the scarfed one echoed, skeptical as hell. “Near us? That’s not a coincidence.”

“Yeah!” Liz’s brother snapped, tail flicking. “Why were you watching us, huh? You spying?” You blinked.

"‘Spying?’” Your voice landed somewhere between baffled and amused. You gave a short pause, then added, “...On a snowball fight?” The kids didn’t immediately respond. Liz's brother's tail twitched behind him, but no one said anything. So you took that as your cue.

“I wasn’t spying,” you said, softer now, coaxing. “I just… saw you having fun. That’s it. It made me smile.”

Another pause stretched out between you, longer this time. The air hung thick and quiet, the kind of silence that felt like it could tip either way with the slightest push. The three kids exchanged wary glances, still defensive, but now tinged with something else. Confusion. Curiosity maybe.

“…That’s creepy,” the scarfed one muttered. But their voice had lost its edge. The bite was gone, replaced by a tone that sounded more like they were testing the waters than lashing out.

You let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing at the back of your neck. “Yeah. Okay. Fair. But I wasn’t trying to be creepy. It’s just been… a long time since I saw something like that. A snowball fight. That kind of joy.” You shrugged. “It caught me off guard, I guess. Made me laugh.” Liz's brother eyed you with narrowed suspicion

“You were laughing,” he said, voice still heavy with suspicion. “Like… super loud.”

You winced a little, offering a sheepish smile. “Yeah. I was. You caught me.” You lifted your hands slightly, like you were surrendering to some crime you hadn’t meant to commit. “Busted. Guilty of enjoying myself.”

That seemed to throw them. The mittened one, quiet up until now, shifted their weight, eyes still wide and uncertain. “…You weren’t laughing at us?”

You shook your head quickly, almost before they finished speaking. “No! No, I wasn’t making fun of you. I just…” You trailed off, searching for the right words. “You reminded me that joy still exists, I guess. That it’s not all bad down here. It kind of… slipped out.” They exchanged another round of glances. The suspicion hadn’t vanished, not entirely, but now it warred with something more fragile. Uncertainty. Maybe even the faintest trace of hope.

Then, after a long pause, the lizard kid spoke again, quieter this time, almost like he didn’t want to believe his own question: “My mom says humans don’t smile like that. Not unless they’re up to something.” Your own smile faltered. Not because you were offended, but because you understood too well the weight behind his words. You nodded once, slowly.

“Some don’t,” you said. “But some do. I’m not up to anything. I just… don’t get to see stuff like that very often.”

“Why not?” the scarfed one asked, their voice softer now, cautious but curious.

You hesitated. You could’ve given them the short answer, because life’s been kind of a hellscape lately, but something in their eyes made you pause. A snowball fight of your own flashed through your thoughts, and your mouth went dry.  Before you could figure out what to say, Flowey’s voice cut through the quiet like a squeaky brake.

“U-Um,” he said nervously, clearly trying to sound assertive but not quite pulling it off, “I-I don’t think we should be talking to them so much. What if they... throw something?”

You blinked and turned toward him. “Throw something?”

Flowey’s petals were drooping slightly, his face pinched with visible concern. “They might have… rocks. Or… or snow packed way too hard. That’s a trick. Monsters do that.” You stared at him, then turned back to the kids, who were now staring at him.

“Is that a talking flower?” the scarfed one asked, deadpan.

“Yeah, he’s, uh… sensitive,” you said, clearing your throat. “He gets nervous around crowds.” You weren't sure if that was true, I mean, you barely knew this Flowey. But you figured you were somewhat right. 

Flowey made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a squeak. “I-I’m not nervous! I’m cautious! There's a difference!”

The mittened kid tilted their head. “He’s kinda cute.”

Flowey recoiled. “I am NOT!” The moment was so absurd that even the lizard monster cracked a tiny grin before smothering it quickly.

Then the scarfed one squinted. “Are you gonna tell anyone you saw us?”

That threw you for a second. “Wait, you’re worried about me telling?” The lizard kid muttered something too low to hear, but you caught just enough: “Playing where we’re not supposed to.” The mittened one looked down, their snowball now limp and melting in their hands. Something in you softened further.

“Ohhh,” you said, slowly, as realization clicked into place. “You’re not supposed to be out here.” They all tensed again. In response, you raised both hands, then zipped your lips shut with an exaggerated zippp, mimed locking them with an invisible key, and chucked the imaginary key over your shoulder with flair.

The scarfed kid stared at you like you’d just grown antlers. “…What was that?”

“That,” you said solemnly, “was me making a sacred vow of absolute secrecy.” The mittened one let out a small giggle that quickly turned into a stifled snort, their hands darting up to cover their mouth. You smiled, something warm fluttering behind your ribs at the sound. For the first time in what felt like forever, the air didn’t feel so heavy.

“…You’re weird,” the lizard muttered, squinting at you like you were an alien lifeform.

“Believe it or not,” you said, “that’s not the first time I’ve heard that.” The smallest one tilted their head, squinting at you as if you were some odd new species they’d never encountered, fair enough, given your current situation. The scarfed one exchanged a glance with the lizard kid, and then, with a hesitant crunch in the snow, took a cautious step forward, closing the gap between you.

“Flowey,” you heard one of them mutter, maybe the scarfed one?, “What kind of name is that?”

“I-I heard that!” Flowey’s voice cracked like a creaky floorboard. His face puffed in defensiveness, but instead of snapping, he shuffled back a little behind your leg. His vines curled closer to your boot, as if using you for cover. “It’s… it’s a perfectly fine name, okay?” You glanced down at him. His petals were hunched in like a spooked daisy, and if flowers could blush, you were pretty sure he would’ve gone beet red.

Before you could say anything else, the kids began to close in, slowly, cautiously, like a school of fish drawn toward something shiny they weren’t sure was safe. They formed a loose little ring around you, small boots shifting in the snow. Curious eyes. Not quite trust, but not fear anymore either. Not entirely.

Flowey stiffened at your side. His voice dropped to a whisper. “This isn’t good. They’re surrounding us.”

You side eyed him. “They’re literally three feet tall.”

“That’s how they get you,” he whispered, like he was unveiling a government secret. “They pretend to be harmless, then bam. One minute you’re answering questions, the next you’re getting pelted with ice.”

“They’re kids, Flowey.” you reminded him once more. 

“Exactly!” This conversation was feeling all to familiar and yet again you let it go. You resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of your nose and instead slowly lowered yourself into a crouch, careful to keep your movements unthreatening. The snow soaked into your coat, but you didn’t care. You crossed your legs and rested your arms loosely over your knees.

The scarfed one studied you, squinting suspiciously. “You’re really a human?” You nodded. 

“…Like a real real one?”

“Last I checked,” you said, the smile playing at your lips again.

The lizard kid circled slightly, eyes narrowing like they were trying to find the catch. “You don’t look like the ones in my history books,” they muttered. “They had armor. And glowing red eyes. And… knives.”

You blinked. Hard.

Okay. That escalated.

“Knives and glowing eyes?” you repeated, eyebrows raised, head tilting slightly to the side. “What, were they vampires?”

The lizard shrugged with a nonchalance that seemed almost rehearsed, like they’d been told this story so many times it didn’t strike them as strange anymore. “Just what we learned. It was in a textbook. There was a whole drawing and everything. Blood, too, I think.” Flowey made a soft, horrified squeaking sound beside you. You noticed him scooting away from you and you sent him a disbelieving stare. 

“Oh come on. Don’t look at me like that,” you said, holding your hands up in mock innocence. The scarfed one leaned forward, eyes narrowing in quiet calculation.

“So, do you… do you eat monsters?”

Your face twisted instantly, nose wrinkling like someone had waved a rotten fish in front of you. “What?! No! Ew.” You blinked at them, your mouth half-open in disbelief. “Why would I do that?” The question hung there, almost ridiculous in its bluntness, but you could tell from the way they watched you, expectant and wary, that it wasn’t a joke. 

The scarfed kid shrugged, almost defensively, like they weren’t fully sure they believed it themselves. “We’ve heard stories.

You shook your head immediately, your voice firmer this time. “That’s not me."  Then, softer: “I’m just trying to survive. Same as you.” There was a pause. A real one, quiet and thick with uncertainty. You could almost feel the doubt hanging in the space between you and the kids, an invisible fog of what ifs. But then, like the first crack in a frozen lake, the smallest one shuffled a step closer.

Their big eyes lifted to yours. “You talk funny.”

The words were so genuine, so utterly childlike in their honesty, that they punched a breathy laugh right out of you.

“Oh yeah?” you smirked. “Well, you talk funny.” The lizard monster let out a sharp snort of a laugh and instantly tried to disguise it with a fake cough. The moment passed, but it left something behind. Like maybe, just maybe, you weren’t a bloodthirsty beast to them after all.

“What’s your name?” the scarfed one asked. The suspicion in their voice hadn’t completely vanished, but it had thinned. You hesitated for only a second. Then you gave it to them. The next barrage of questions came so quickly that you could barely keep track of them:

“Where do you live?”
“Are you hiding from the royal guard?”
“Do you have claws?”
“Why don’t you have a tail?”
“Do you sleep standing up?”

You couldn’t help it, your laughter bubbled up from deep in your chest, loud and bright, like a sudden burst of relief. You held up your hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay! One at a time!” The giggles were contagious, and the tension seemed to melt further with every chuckle.

You answered what you could. “No claws. Definitely no tail.” You scratched at your head, trying to think of how to phrase your next answer. “I live in a shed nearby, not far from here.” Then, a little more sheepishly, “I’m not hiding from the guard… not exactly. And I do not sleep standing up. Though I’ve fallen asleep sitting up before. That count?”

The lizard monster narrowed his eyes. “Do you eat bugs?”

“Only when they sneak into my cereal,” you deadpanned. That got a full laugh from all three. The scarfed one squinted, unconvinced but clearly intrigued.

“But what about the soul thing? The stories said-”

“I don’t want anyone’s soul,” you said quickly. “Not yours, not mine, not even Flowey’s.”

“I don't have one,” Flowey squeaked beside you. “Just so we’re clear.” You stared a him a moment, before shaking that one off, you were addressing that at a later date. 

Liz's brother hesitated. Then, in a surprisingly gentle motion, they sat. Just plopped down in the snow like you’d passed some invisible test. The others followed, one by one, until you were surrounded by a little mismatched ring of monster kids and snow-crusted mittens and muffled breathing.

The scarfed kid looked at you across the circle, voice soft and uncertain. “So… what happens now?”

You blinked. “What do you mean?”

They shrugged. “Are you gonna… tell us to leave? Or threaten us to not to tell anyone?” The idea hit you unexpectedly hard. It shouldn’t have mattered; these kids didn’t owe you anything. But the idea of them disappearing again, of that flicker of trust extinguished, made your chest ache.

You looked at each of them, slowly. “No,” you said finally, “I’m not gonna make you do anything. I'm not going to make you leave either, in fact you can continue playing if that what you wish to do. But maybe…” You glanced around at the snow, at their little half finished snowballs and the dented hill behind them.

“…Let’s just say this little hangout stays between us?” They didn’t answer immediately. You could see them weighing it, feel the silent conversation flicking between their eyes. Until finally, the smallest one leaned forward, and whispered.

 “Secret snowball pact,”  You smiled, warmth blooming inside you as the kids echoed the phrase. You didn’t know what it meant, but you were willing to trust in it, in the hope it might lead to something good.

“Secret snowball pact,” you repeated, unable to stop the small smile from growing on your face. 

And to your surprise, Flowey groaned. Not in anger. This was a long, theatrical, put-upon sigh. He flopped backward into the snow beside you with an audible thump, vines sprawling in all directions like an overworked parent collapsing onto a couch. He stared up at the rock above with a frown so exaggerated it would’ve looked more at home on a cartoon character than a living flower. 

"Oh great,” he muttered. “Wonderful. Amazing. Secret pacts now. Please tell me you’re not adopting them.” You let out a quiet laugh, not mean but amused. 

“They’re not staying,” you said, glancing at him with a fondness you couldn’t quite help. When did you start looking at Flowey fondly? You had no idea. “Besides, I can’t adopt kids who already have parents. That’s just… kidnapping.” You dropped your voice for the last word, more for his sake than anyone else's.

He let out a sound that landed somewhere between a scoff and a groan. “You say that now…” he mumbled, dragging one of his vines through the snow in an anxious, looping circle. His eyes didn’t meet yours. “But you’re weird. You do weird things." You almost took offense to that. But before you could object he spoke again. 

“Next thing I know, they’re sleeping in the shed and I’m stuck in a shoebox on the counter.”

You blinked at that image, then snorted. “Okay, first of all, why would I put you in a shoebox?”

“I don’t know!” he said, half defensive, half panicking. “Humans do weird stuff!" Liz's brother pointed at Flowey with a curious frown.

“Why’s your flower so grumpy?”

You gave them a sly, amused smile. “Because he hates joy.”

Flowey’s petals stiffened. “I don’t hate joy,” he said quickly, too quickly. His voice cracked slightly, betraying the anxiety beneath it. He sounded like someone who’d been accused of a crime they hadn’t prepared a defense for. “I just… don’t like, um… noise. Or sudden movements. Or grabby hands.”

As he spoke, his vines coiled closer to his stem, curling protectively. It wasn’t hard to see the truth beneath his bluster, he wasn’t angry. He was overwhelmed. Nervous. Like a kid at a sleepover who didn’t know if he was invited or if he’d just accidentally wandered into the room.

“We don’t even have hands!” the smallest one piped up, holding up their stubby, mittened claws and wiggling them for emphasis. Flowey eyed the wiggling claws like they were ticking bombs.

“Close enough,” he muttered, though the edge in his voice had dulled. It sounded more tired than snappy now. The lizard kid tilted their head, eyeing him with a different sort of curiosity than before. Not suspicion—just... soft interest.

“Do you wanna play with us?” Flowey froze. You could actually feel the stillness that settled over him. His vines, which had been nervously shifting and fidgeting this whole time, stopped mid-movement. His petals twitched once, then went utterly still. He blinked. Slowly.

“…What?”

Liz's brother repeated the question without any push behind it. Just the quiet, simple sincerity of someone offering something freely. “You can play too. If you want.”

Flowey looked at them like they’d just grown another head. Then his gaze flicked to you, quick and unsure, like he was trying to figure out if this was a joke. If they were setting him up. “Are they serious?” he whispered to you, like the idea was too foreign to process on his own.

You didn’t say anything at first. Just gave him a quiet shrug and a small, encouraging smile. “I believe them. Up to you if you want to join though..”

His eyes darted between you and the kids again. “I… I don’t really play,” he said, his voice small now”

The scarfed one, still half-huddled into their oversized sweater, looked at Flowey with a kind of gentle caution. Not pity, not mockery, just honest, uncertain kindness. “That’s okay,” they said, voice quieter now, like they didn’t want to spook him. “You can just watch if you want. It’s more fun with more people.”

It was such a simple thing to offer. No pressure. No strings. And maybe that was what made it land the way it did.

Flowey didn’t answer immediately. He seemed to curl in on himself, his petals twitching, vines slowly coiling tighter. You could see it in the way his gaze flicked between the scarfed kid and the others, then over to you, brief, almost furtive glances, like he was searching for some kind of cue or exit. 

You didn’t press Flowey. You just waited, watching as something in him shifted. It was so subtle most wouldn’t have noticed. But you did.

“Fine,” Flowey muttered finally, though it came out a little softer than expected. Almost reluctant. Almost... bashful. “But don’t… don’t expect me to do anything dumb.”

The smallest kid let out a delighted laugh. “Let's go!" They jumped to there feet and the others joined, running back up the hill where they were playing not to long ago. 

Flowey didn’t follow right away. He lingered, his vines still wrapped tight around his stem like armor. He stared at the ground for a long second, then turned to you, eyes wide and unsure, uncertainty written in every inch of him. “…They’re weird,” he said eventually, the words lacking their usual bite.

You smiled, soft and warm. “Maybe. But they’re not so bad.” For a beat, he didn’t respond. Just stared at you, searching for something in your face. Reassurance, maybe. Or some sign that it was okay to feel safe for just a minute.

Without thinking too hard, you reached out and tapped the edge of one of his vines, light as a snowflake. He flinched, of course he did, but not in fear. Just habit. So your fingers lingered.  He didn’t pull away. Instead, after a breath, he sighed. It wasn’t annoyed. It was tired. Soft.

And with a reluctant rustle of his leaves, he started to inch forward. You leaned back slightly, giving him space but staying close enough that he could retreat if he needed to. Flowey drifted just near the outer ring of the kids’ game, vines stiff and unsure, his petals low. He kept one eye on you. Always.

The lizard kid didn’t try to pull him in. They just tossed a snowball toward the scarfed one with a yell. But the snow bounced wide and rolled near Flowey’s side.

There was a long pause.  Then, slowly, one vine crept out. He gave the snowball a clumsy, awkward bat. It flopped into the snow with a sad little puff. The smallest kid gasped like it was the most amazing thing they’d ever seen and immediately launched one back, this one intentionally slow, like they were testing his reaction.

Flowey scowled. But he didn’t retreat. Instead, he raised a second vine. Not to attack. Not to lash out. Just to try. To figure it out. The kids kept laughing, kept playing around him.

You stayed where you were, leaning against the rough bark of a tree. You watched the way Flowey moved, still tense, still ready to pull back at the first sign of danger, but also curious. Interested. His sharp eyes tracked the kids’ movements, studying them not like enemies, but like… possibilities. And when one of them squeaked with laughter after tripping into a snowbank, you swore you saw the barest twitch of a smirk on his face. Almost like he was trying to suppress a smile and didn’t quite know how.

You felt your chest warm. This Underground was rough, and kindness was clearly a commodity here. But these kids… they reminded you of something. Or maybe someone. Your eyes drifted slightly, as a memory stirred for the second time today.

Papyrus. You hadn’t thought of him in hours. It used to be you thought of him constantly. 

But watching these kids laugh and fumble in the snow, watching Flowey slowly uncurl in their presence, it pulled something forward. Papyrus had always believed in others before they believed in themselves. He reached out even when it hurt. He wanted to be great not for power, but to lift others up. He saw potential in places most didn’t even look.

You remembered the way he’d spoken of kindness like it was a superpower. Not weakness. Not naivety. Just something good. Something worth fighting for. And now here you were. In another world, another universe. And still, somehow, that same spark was flickering. In these kids. In the way they looked at Flowey, not with fear, but with the kind of openness that made it okay to try.

You turned back toward Flowey, who had just nudged a snowball back toward the scarfed kid with a vine that shook slightly. They’d laughed, and the sound had startled him enough that he flinched, then immediately pretended he hadn’t.

He glanced at you.

For the first time, there wasn’t a question in his eyes. Just something quieter. Something almost like trust. Maybe monsters here had more scars. Maybe their suspicion ran deeper. But they hadn’t lost everything. Not yet. You saw it in the kids. For a minute you thought you saw it in this universe Papyrus. In Flowey’s hesitant, fumbling movements. That capacity for kindness, it was still there. Just buried under all the fear.

So with that thought in mind, you sat there. Watching the kids play in the snow.