Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Frisk could only look on in horror. Their companion for the majority of Waterfall - a cute young monster named Monster Kid - tripped over a loose board on the bridge they were on, and Undyne was on the other side. Despite this, however, they quickly moved forward, going to help the young monster up.

Only for Monster Kid to fall before they can get there.

“No!” Frisk and Undyne yell simultaneously. Frisk spares a glance at the armored woman.

“Call someone!” Frisk yelled, Undyne quickly pulling out her phone to comply.

“Don’t move, Human,” Undyne said in turn.

“Not a chance, Ma’am!” Frisk yelled, turning and walking away slightly.

“Are you really gonna leave when we just saw a kid fall to potentially his-” Undyne didn’t get to finish admonishing the young Human, as they quickly turned around and dove after Monster Kid, falling faster due to their higher physical mass.

“Monster Kid!” Frisk yelled, quickly wrapping their hands around Kid’s body and maneuvering the both of them so Frisk would take the brunt of the damage.

Unknown to the Human and Monster, yet something Undyne faintly saw, both of their SOULs temporarily left their bodies… only for both to crack in half.

“No!” Undyne yelled again. One kid just fell on her watch, and a Human displayed more compassion for Monsterkind than they probably deserved by jumping after said kid, and now- wait. Neither of their SOULs were shattering.

No, it actually looked more like… half of the Human’s SOUL merged with her fankid’s SOUL, with the young Monster’s SOUL doing the same.

“ H-Hello, Undyne, ” Alphys’ voice came through the receiver finally. “ I-Is everything a-alright? ”

“...No, Alphys,” Undyne replied. “I don’t think it is. Can you track my location? Because, if so, come here ASAP.”

“ I-I should be able to get there in just a couple of minutes. A-Anything I should bring? ”

“Rescue equipment. As much as possible, two vics.”

“ C-Copy. ” Alphys then hung up, and Undyne quickly called the next person she needed to.

“Papyrus, I’m currently on the bridge near the entrance from Waterfall to Hotland. Get here ASAP and bring your brother. I have Alphys bringing rescue equipment. Two vics, and I know you know at least one of them.”

“ H-HOW DO YOU KNOW? ”

“You were right. The Human is far more trustworthy than I thought. They’re one of the vics; jumped after the other vic in a foolish attempt to save them. Just get here with Sans ASAP.”

“ SANS AND I ARE ON OUR WAY, UNDYNE! ” Papyrus then hung up, leaving Undyne standing upon the bridge - having removed her helmet to more easily use her phone - worried for the two children - and wasn’t that fucked up? She’d been so focused on the fact that they were a Human that she never realized they were a child. And yet, that child was far BRAVER than her - jumping after the person falling while Undyne could only watch in horror.

“what’s this i hear about the kid falling off this bridge?” Sans’ voice is usually a point of annoyance for Undyne - the short skeleton seemed incapable of taking situations seriously - but Undyne couldn’t help but feel relief this time.

“That young monster child from your hometown was saying goodbye to the Human, and started walking home,” Undyne started. “Only, they tripped on the way off the bridge, barely catching themself with their teeth. The Human and I moved to help the Monster up, but they fell before either of us could get to them. The Human jumped after the kid, and now they’re both down there.”

~~~~~~~

Yooooo. That hurt… rang out in their head, confusing the young Human. That wasn’t their voice, after all.

Who’s there? Frisk asked. It was then that the memories came rushing back - Monster Kid tripping on the bridge, Frisk failing to save them, and then jumping in after them. Catching them, and reorienting them both so they took the brunt of the damage, instead of Monster Kid.

A weird sensation as they fell, confusing them.

Monster Kid? Frisk asked, confused.

Human? the young Monster replied.

It’s Frisk, but yeah.

What’s happening?

I don’t know, but we can hear each other mentally. Now, can you get off me? I may be injured from the fall, and it’ll be easier for any rescue teams to account for my injuries without a cute monster on my chest.

Sure, just - wait, cute?

You didn’t hear that!

Monster Kid started moving in an attempt to move, only for Frisk to cry out in pain.

“Stop!” Frisk yelled. Monster Kid immediately returned to their previous position on the Human.

I-I think I have an injury in my chest that you’re helping keep stable by being there. Frisk thought.

S-Sorry, Frisk. Monster Kid replied.

It’s fine. I told you to move. I didn’t know about it, either.

I-I know healing magic, but I can’t use it from this angle, and if I move, you may Fall Down.

We already fell, though?

Right, you’re not quite used to our terminology. Falling Down, both words capitalized, means dying. For monsters who die of natural causes, they unexpectedly enter a comatose state as their HP drops to zero. It’s never painful, but the more HP a monster has, the longer it takes. Once a monster’s HP reaches zero, they turn to dust. Do humans do that, too?

No, we just appear to enter a comatose state, only we’ll never wake up, and our heartbeats stop. Our SOULs can linger for a time after death, but, without preservation tech that humanity hasn’t developed yet, as very few believe in the SOUL, and most that do are the type of people who believe things like the moon is made of cheese, the SOUL can only last as long as it has something - usually a mission or something similar - keeping it there. Most SOULs move on instantly, though.

Huh. Monster funerals consist of family members sprinkling the deceased’s dust onto objects that they loved - usually, these objects also get turned into family heirlooms, but not always - some are simply too big - my grandma’s dust was sprinkled on my house - and some are things that’d make no sense to be a family heirloom - my grandpa’s dust was sprinkled on a shattered plate. It’s been shattered since before he Fell Down, he knew it was shattered. Pretty sure he just did that to fuck with us. What are human funerals like?

Well, there’s a couple of types of processes. Humans can choose to either be cremated, buried, or have their bodies donated to science. Cremation is when humans are put in a specialized metal box that is then put inside a forge, with flames so hot the human body, bones and all, turn into ashes. These ashes are generally put into urns, which are either worn as necklaces to bolster a connection, or held in the home, or, if you’re rich enough, in the family crypt. Burial is where human corpses are put in wooden boxes called coffins. These coffins are then buried under the ground in graveyards, or otherwise put into alcoves in family crypts, again, if you’re rich enough. Bodies donated to science are used to study human biology and other such things.

Huh. Most monster biology is still a mystery. Probably because we turn to dust upon death. Yo, what’s that green star a couple of feet from us?

Huh? Frisk looked, and, sure enough, there was a SAVE point a couple feet from them and Kid. Close enough for them to be able to see it, yet just far enough that they couldn’t reach it. Taunting them. It’s salvation just out of range. Frisk glared at the SAVE point they couldn’t reach. I’ve been able to see them since I first fell down here. I call them SAVE points, and… what I’m about to reveal, you can’t reveal to anyone. My SOUL is RED, which I’m pretty sure is for DETERMINATION. I’ve heard it described as the power to keep going after death. It’s why human SOULs can stick around after death. However. If someone has enough DETERMINATION, they can change fate, but only if they have contact with magic. It wasn’t just monsters sealed down here, by the looks of it, but magic itself, too. These SAVE points are centralized locations of pure DETERMINATION fused with magic. They allow me to SAVE my place in space and time, and I can LOAD back to them whenever, or use them to heal.

That seems overpowered.

Oh, it is, but when you’re a human in an Underground that wants you dead, it tends to be useful.

Wait, how did you discover they allowed you to LOAD?

…I’ve died, Kid. Twice now. It’s… not a fun feeling, which is why I ran to save you, and why I jumped after you.

“Hey!” Undyne’s voice cut in. “If either of you are awake, call out!”

“...We’re both awake, Undyne!” Frisk called, earning a shocked look from Monster Kid as, as far as they knew, Undyne still wanted Frisk dead. “Though, neither of us can really move. Kid’s laying on my chest, and, if they move, they’ll destabilize an injury I have!”

“Damnit!” Undyne said, as she, Sans, Papyrus and a short, yellow dinosaur monster climbed down a ladder to their location. “Does anyone here know healing magic?”

“I-I do,” the dinosaur monster said. Shen then rushed towards the two laying on the ground.

“Start with Frisk,” Monster Kid said, pleadingly. “They suffered the brunt of it, so I’m worried.”

“A-Alright, well, this m-m-may hurt,” Alphys said, kneeling down next to the pair.

Green light emerged from Alphys’s hand, shooting directly into Frisk, who screamed out in pain. Worried about them, Kid wrapped his tail around Frisk’s hand, where the human grabbed onto it, squeezing it.

“once they’re stable enough, i know someone who can heal them better,” Sans said. “we’ll just need to get them through snowdin, and she may not even respond, but she’s our best chance.”

“The t-two of them should be stable enough to move, but I wouldn’t let them walk by themselves,” Alphys said, the green light of healing magic stopping.

In response, Undyne merely lifted the two children, carrying them gently.

“Let’s go,” Undyne said, as Sans started leading them back up. There was a small issue with the ladder, but Frisk just held on to Undyne with one hand and the ladder with the other, with both of them positioning themselves so MK would be secure, allowing the trio to get up the ladder with… well, a lot of difficulty, but they made it.

~~~~~~~

The group were now closing in on a giant purple door at the end of Snowdin. Sans motioned for everyone else to stay back and moved towards the door, knocking on it. Small sobs sounded out.

“W-Who’s there?” a motherly voice said, sadly.

“it’s me, old lady,” Sans replied. Another sob, this one louder, sounded.

“My child… are they…?”

“they’re alive, but badly injured. i remember you saying you specialized in healing magic? we have them, as well as another child, who both need it.”

“I… I asked them not to return, in an attempt to not exacerbate my heartache at losing them…”

“i… i have some help now, old lady. this help comes from positions of power. we may be able to convince asgore not to kill them.”

“...How?” Undyne then stepped forward.

“My name is Undyne, ma’am, and I’m the head of the Royal Guard. While I was still hunting the human, they ran to save a kid who was falling off a bridge. We were both just barely too late, but the human dove off the bridge to try to save the kid. Succeeded, too; they’re both alive thanks to the human’s actions. I’ll work with you to talk to Asgore if need be.”

“I-I’m Alphys, the Royal Scientist,” Alphys added. “Undyne called me for backup when both of them fell off the bridge, and I healed the human enough to be stable, but healing magic drains me fast.”

“...Let me unlock the door.” There was a clicking sound, and then the door opened, revealing a tall female goat monster wearing purple robes. She saw Frisk and Kid in Undyne’s arms and immediately ushered the group into the Ruins. Once they were all through, she closed and re-locked the door. “Follow me.”

Chapter Text

Toriel proceeded to lead the group of monsters plus one human through the Catacombs, eventually emerging in a stairwell in a nice house. Making a left once they get to a three-way split(so literally five feet away from the top of the stairs), Toriel then guides them all into a bedroom with one bed, directing Undyne to lay the injured children on the bed. She then quickly shoo’d everyone who wasn’t a child out of the room and directed her healing magic onto the kids, but, oddly, it couldn’t do much.

“I’m sorry, my children,” Toriel said softly. “It seems I can’t heal you any further. The rest of the healing will have to be gradual.”

“You tried, at least,” Frisk comforted.

“I’ll be back shortly, with some food.” Toriel then left, closing the door before sighing to herself. Those kids are so strong, enduring an injury that should have killed them both… She turned around to go to her kitchen and prepare some food, but saw Undyne and Alphys standing in the hallway. “Oh! Is everything okay, you two?”

“I… don’t know,” Undyne said. “I neglected saying anything sooner, so as to avoid panicking anyone, but… while the kids were falling, I saw their SOULs remove themselves from their bodies before splitting in half.” Toriel and Alphys suddenly gained shocked looks on their faces. “However, instead of shattering, half of the human’s SOUL merged with half of the other kid’s SOUL and vice versa, so they both currently have half-human, half-monster SOULs.”

“B-But this makes n-n-no sense!” Alphys exclaimed. “Everything we know about SOULs says this should be impossible! When a SOUL splits in half, it can either have enough DETERMINATION to refuse, or it shatters! It doesn’t merge with another person’s SOUL, giving both of them half-split SOULs!” It was then Alphys remembered something. “Wait, U-Undyne?” Alphys asked.

“Yes, Alph?” Undyne replied, concerned at the look on Alphys’ face.

“What color was Frisk’s SOUL?”

“RED, why?” Fear overtook Alphys’ face.

“T-Toriel?”

“Yes, Alphys?” Toriel replied, worried for the children.

“W-W-What attribute does a RED SOUL mean?”

“DETERMINATION, why?”

“Monsters were never meant to hold DETERMINATION.”

Silence pervaded the hall as the trio of monsters all looked at each other, fear clear on their faces. Seconds later, the trio all rushed into the bedroom.

“How long do we have to work with?” Undyne asked.

“Not long,” Alphys replied. “D-Depends on how long it’s been since their SOULs merged.” Frisk and Kid looked at the trio of adult monsters in confusion. “H-How long has it been?”

“About… five-ish hours?” Alphys suddenly paused, prompting Toriel and Undyne to pause, too.

“Five… hours?”

“Yeah?” In response to Undyne’s response, Alphys quickly moved over to the children on the bed.

“Monster Kid, could you try to get off of Frisk real quick?”

“Yeah, shouldn’t be too difficult,” said monster replied, maneuvering himself to no longer be laying on the human, but instead next to them.

“Now, can you come with us real quick? I need to perform a full medical examination regarding something that happened as you and Frisk were falling.”

“Okay?” You don’t mind, do you, Frisk?

Go ahead, I’ll be here when you get back. the human replied. Kid followed Alphys out, with Toriel then guiding the pair to her own room for the next part of the examination.

~~~~~~~

Another five hours later, Frisk and Kid were once more laying in the same bed.

The situation had been explained to them, that their SOULs had somehow merged. They took it… remarkably well.

…Guess this is why we can hear each other think. Frisk thought.

Guess so. Also probably why I can see the SAVE points. Kid replied.

…Your name isn’t really just Monster Kid, is it?

I don’t like my birth name.

Ah. Fairly relatable. I chose the name Frisk. My old name was too feminine.

Huh. Mine was too masculine.

Hm.

Hey, if this isn’t too difficult of a question, why did you climb Mount Ebott? Surely, there must have been stories.

…I don’t wanna talk about it.

Alright, your choice. Just know, whenever you decide to talk, I’ll be ready to listen to you.

…What was your birth name?

Emmanuel. Yours?

Fiona. We really both based our new names off of our dead names, huh?

Seems like it.

Both kids giggled out loud at that.

It’s getting late. Kid said after a bit of silence. We should get to sleep.

Night, Kid. Frisk replied, hugging the armless monster close.

Night, Frisk. Kid replied, wrapping their tail around the human.

~~~~~~~

Sans, Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys and Toriel were all gathered in the living room of the small house. Toriel was sitting in her chair while her guests took seats from the table to sit at.

“So, what went wrong?” Toriel asked

“i escorted the kid through snowdin, like you asked, and had been keeping an eye socket out for them throughout waterfall in places my presence wouldn’t be considered weird,” Sans started. “the kid is fairly self-sufficient, though, so i didn’t think i’d need to step in when they went to challenge undyne.”

“The human was confronted by a friend of theirs, Monster Kid, on a bridge near the Hotland-Waterfall checkpoint,” Undyne continued. “The kid was apologizing to Frisk, and asking to be friends again. I watched, not wanting to accidentally hurt Monster Kid, only for them to trip on a loose board on the bridge. Frisk and I both went to help them up, but they fell before either of us could. Frisk then jumped off after them, and endured the brunt of the damage from the fall.”

“I-I’m guessing this is where she called me,” Alphys cut in. “She called me asking me to bring rescue supplies for them, so we could help them. She then called Papyrus, telling him to bring Sans. We got down there and saw both of them, heavily injured, but alive. I healed Frisk the best I could, and then we made our way here.”

Toriel could only nod in acceptance of their story. That seemed like something Frisk would do, from her interactions with them. She quickly stood back up.

“Well, it’s getting late. I can get you all some blankets and pillows and you can stay in here, if you want,” Toriel offered. All four of them accepted the offer, so Toriel quickly got the supplies for them, then returned to her room.

~~~~~~~

Frisk awoke to the feeling of their arms wrapped around someone, with said someone also cuddling close to them, wrapping a tail around them. Briefly, they panicked, because they didn’t know where they were, before memories of the night before returned.

Smiling softly, Frisk gently squeezed the cute monster in their arms, DETERMINED to ensure they never suffered death.

Mmm… Morning, Frisk… Kid thought.

Morning, MK. Frisk replied. So… I was hoping to finish getting through the Underground today, if we’re given a clean bill of health. Would you like to join me?

…How well do you think people’d take my presence in the overworld?

…That’s fair, but I will fight tooth and nail to ensure you’re treated properly. Though, I’d also like to try breaking the barrier, letting monsters go free.

But how would you do that? I thought humans couldn’t absorb other human SOULs?

Well, I didn’t know that, but, MK, we do have one advantage.

Oh?

We both bear half of a human SOUL. That makes one human SOUL total. We both also bear half of a monster SOUL, so, if one of us were to absorb the six SOULs Asgore already has, we’d both probably absorb them.

Huh. That may work.

Gentle knocking on their door interrupted the duo’s conversation. Toriel then gently opened the door, walking in and seeing the pair awake.

“Oh, good,” she said. “I was worried you two were still asleep. The two of you should be good to walk around now, so could the both of you meet us in my living room?” At Frisk’s nod, Toriel left the room, shutting the door behind her.

~~~~~~~

Minutes later, five adults and two children were gathered in one goat’s living room to talk about the SOUL.

That sentence may be confusing as fuck, but I promise, it’s true.

“My children, there are some important things regarding what happened that we need to talk about,” Toriel began. “Please, sit.” The two agender children sat on a couch that wasn’t there the previous night, but they decided not to question it. Mainly because neither of them had seen its absence.

“S-So, last night, before I w-went to sleep, I returned to my l-lab in Hotland t-to get all my notes on SOULs and phenomena similar to what h-happened yesterday w-with you two,” Alphys said. “First up, the RED SOUL has the trait of DETERMINATION. There’s only o-one person every century born with a RED SOUL.”

“My SOUL is RED,” Frisk noted.

“C-Correct, Frisk. Y-Your predecessor also fell down here, at around the same age, give or take a few years. They lived down here for a year and a half, before dying from eating a poisoned pie. The fact that they didn’t use the ability I’m about to reveal suggests that the person w-who poisoned them… was themself.” Toriel, in response, merely put her paws in front of her mouth, shock and despair on her face. “A-Anyway, I’m sure you’ve noticed occasionally feeling intense amounts of DETERMINATION at some points.”

“If this is about my SAVES and LOADS, if you can remember them, you should be well aware I know this ability.”

“yeah, but there’s more to it than that,” Sans said. “you also have the ability to RESET, which puts you back at the start of the most recent important milestone in your life. for you, it’d likely be the start of your journey down here for right now, but may eventually change.”

“FOR EXAMPLE, DEPENDING ON HOW PUBERTY GOES, THAT COULD COUNT AS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE,” Papyrus added.

“D-Death always instigates the LOAD process, unless you will it to not LOAD,” Alphys said. “Anyway, since y-you already knew about that, I-I regret to say, I’m not certain how the SAVEs will work now that both of you have half a Monster SOUL and half a Human SOUL.”

“Well, we can both see the SAVE Points now,” Frisk said.

“Yo, I’m sorry if this is insensitive, but you said you already knew about your SAVEs and LOADs?” Kid asked, confused and worried. “H-How?”

“...I’ve died, Kid,” Frisk said. “My very first ENCOUNTER, admittedly, didn’t kill me, thanks to Toriel saving me. Nor did my second or third, since my second was with an allegedly inanimate dummy–”

“Allegedly?” Toriel interrupted.

“A ghost monster lived in it until I didn’t fight it. Another possessed dummy yelled at me for refusing to attack the dummy, and tried to kill me. Actually succeeded a few times, but I wasn’t as scared as my first couple times dying. Anyway, my first time dying was to a Froggit.” Toriel and Kid quickly pulled the human into a hug. “Anyway, yeah, Kid and I can both see the SAVE Points, suggesting they can use my magic, and I can use theirs.”

“Hmm…” Undyne said. “I don’t think you can finish your journey, human. If your SOULs are attached like that, any damage you take may harm Kid, too.”

Frisk merely had a sad look on their face.

“I know…”

“Hey, no, I’m not letting you stay down here if you want to leave, dude,” Kid cut in.

I’m not making you get hurt just so I can escape the underground! Frisk argued.

You’re an “idiot” if you think I’m not willing to help you anyway!

We’re not even sure if the SAVEs work! If I “die” , you do, too! I don’t want to risk that!

“...What’s happening?” Toriel cut in.

“Oh, right, Kid and I can speak to each other in our heads,” Frisk said. “It started… when we woke up after falling off the bridge. Right, Kid?”

“Yeah, that’s when I remember it starting,” Kid added.

“Of course, accounting for us being unconscious, it may have started while we were unconscious.”

“...O-Or just before,” Alphys said. “According to Undyne, y-your SOULs merged as you were falling. Your thoughts between the merging of your souls and your unconsciousness would be so s-similar…”

“...that you’d not notice how they were different,” Sans finished. “now, we’ve been talking. the five of us are going to teach you two how to best use your magic. we’d pull in someone with temporal magic, but there’s only one born every century, and they’re always human.”

“So, I’m the current temporal mage,” Frisk said. “No one else holds that title, and Kid only holds the title of current temporal monster due to our SOULs merging.”

“correct. we’ll be running a few tests to learn how your magic works.”

After a brief discussion explaining everything to the kids, followed by another brief discussion, this time mental and only involving the children, the children gave their answer.

Chapter Text

“We accept,” the two children said simultaneously. The five adults nodded in response.

“so, my main goal is to help the two of you figure out your magic,” Sans said. “i’ll be the teacher for the first hour of the day. we’ll likely get other trustworthy monsters to help us out.”

“I SHALL BE TEACHING YOU HOW TO FIND EVERYDAY USES OF YOUR MAGIC, TO PREVENT YOU FROM BECOMING OUT OF PRACTICE!” Papyrus continued. “I’LL BE TEACHING YOU SECOND. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, FEEL FREE TO TELL ME.”

“I’ll be teaching you two weenies how to use your magic in combat!” Undyne shouted. She then calmed considerably. “Don’t get me wrong, we don’t want you two in any ENCOUNTERs, but we’re hopeful, not stupid.”

“I’ll be teaching the two of you healing magic, so you can keep both yourselves and each other alive in severe situations,” Toriel calmly cut in. “It’s better you have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.”

“A-And I’ll be teaching you two things like math and science, as well as SOUL science,” Alphys said. “I-if you’d both be willing, I’d love to hire you as assistants, and maybe my successors?”

After another brief mental conversation, the children agreed to Alphys’ offer, as well.

“so, this is how it’ll go…”

~~~~~~~

Sans is seen teaching Frisk and Monster Kid, helping them try to figure out their magic. Eventually, we see Kid’s eyes start glowing as they start channeling their magic, gently lifting Frisk into the air, causing said enby to giggle.

“ i’ll teach the two of you how to control your magic, which is integral to the other classes. it won’t be easy, and it’ll take a long damn time, but if you put in the effort, the reward will be more than worth it. ”

~~~~~~~

Papyrus has taken Sans’ place, and is helping coach the duo in casual magic use. We see Frisk’s eyes start glowing as they summon a small kitchenette, something that amazes Papyrus, as he’d never seen magic that strong. Kid, meanwhile, summons a small workshop for working metal, once more amazing Papyrus.

“ paps will be teaching you how best to use your magic in your day-to-day life. magic overload happens when you don’t use enough of your magic on a day-to-day basis. paps and i both make generous use of our shortcuts, though i make more use than him, as he does like seeing the sights, even if we’re underground. ”

“ IT’S NOT MY FAULT IF THINGS LOOK NICE WHEN YOU STOP TO TAKE A LOOK! ”

~~~~~~~

We see Undyne trying to teach the pair combat magic. Frisk summons a glowing pair of DETERMINATION-red knives to their hands, numerous others floating around them. Kid, meanwhile, summons DETERMINATION-red spears, holding one in their tail.

“ undyne will teach the two of you combat magic, so you may defend yourself when the time comes. just use it responsibly. ”

~~~~~~~

Toriel is then shown, standing in front of a slightly injured pair of children, clearly having just finished their combat training. Both were smiling at each other as they tried to summon the green of healing magic.

Frisk got it just before Kid, healing the monster of their wounds. Kid then returned the favor. Toriel looked on in pride.

“ the old lady will teach you two how to heal, so you can more efficiently watch out for each other. you two are literally attached at the SOUL, so trusting each other is the most important thing there is. ”

~~~~~~~

Lastly is Alphys, standing in front of a whiteboard, with both a human and monster SOUL drawn on it. Frisk and Kid are paying close attention.

“ lastly, alph will teach you two everything she knows about the sciences, so you may one day take her place as the royal scientists. you two have a unique benefit over other scientists, too. ”

~~~~~~~

“does that work for you two?” Both children nodded. “great. we’ll start your lessons tomorrow.”

“I-In the meantime, I have another offer,” Alphys said, drawing everyone’s attention. “Last one, I p-promise.”

…Wanna hear her out? Frisk asked their headmate.

Sure. Kid replied. Both children nodded to Alphys to continue.

“S-So, I initially asked Mettaton to help me test y-your strength, F-Frisk, but that clearly w-won’t be viable now. B-But, how would you two like to go through the tests, using y-your magic o-once you start getting the hang of it?”

…Who is Mettaton? Frisk asked.

The biggest star in the Underground. He’s an android with a flair for the dramatic and a love for the spotlight. He’s our number one star, on every night on his own channel. He runs numerous shows, and pretty much everyone watches them. Kid responded. He’s also capable of immense magic, which confuses me; he’s an android, a robot. He shouldn’t be able to use magic, as he lacks a SOUL.

Are you up for it?

Sure.

“We accept.”

~~~~~~~

Frisk and Kid walked forward from the SAVE Point in the start of Hotland, going towards the Lab.

The door slid open for them, though the inside was extremely dark.

Walking forward, they came across a screen displaying both of them, confusing them. Deciding it didn’t matter, they continued forward.

Alphys walked out of a side room and saw them.

“O-Oh my gosh, you two are already here!” she said. “I-I’m not ready! I-I’m barely dressed!” She was in her usual lab coat. “My hair’s a mess.” She doesn’t have hair. “The lab’s a mess.” It’s usually a mess. “Oh, my God, Alphys, stop staring at them! So, I’m Alphys! Hi! I’m not a bad guy! I-I can guide you through Hotland and the CORE, to the castle. T-Though, there is one issue. A-A while ago, I made an entertainment robot, meant to be able to bring joy to monsters. Recently, however, I decided to redesign him - give him some more… useful… features. A-After watching you two’s journey thus far, however, I tried to remove them, and now… well… he’s an unstoppable killing machine. But we should be fine, as long as-” Thumping sounded behind a wall. “Oh no…”

The wall broke. A box-shaped robot with two arms and on a wheel drove out of the hole, as two disco balls came out of nowhere, alongside a neon sign reading ‘Game Show’.

“Oh, yes!” Mettaton exclaimed. “Welcome, beauties… to today’s quiz show! Oh boy! I can already tell it’s gonna be a great show! Everyone, give a big hand for our wonderful contestants!” He saw the confused looks on the pair and turned towards them subtly. “Never played before, beauties? No problem! It’s simple! There’s only one rule. Answer correctly… or you die!”

An ENCOUNTER started, with both Mettaton and Alphys visible in the Enemy Zone, and a pair of SOULs both in their MENU. Both had a copy of the menu in front of them, displaying only their own SOUL, ensuring that they could more easily differentiate between the two.

“Let’s start with an easy one!” Mettaton said, rolling to the side as a question popped up.

‘What’s the prize for answering correctly?’

Kid was about to move to an option, only for Frisk to quickly move to intercept their SOUL.

Wait. Look for a clue.

It was then that Kid noticed Alphys’s hands seemed to be making a D shape, and they quickly alerted their head-mate to that.

*More questions.

“Right! Sounds like you get it! Here’s your terrific prize!”

‘What’s the king’s full name?’

Kid and Frisk both didn’t need help on this one. Both moved their SOULs to C.

*Asgore Dreemurr

“Correct! What a terrific answer! Enough about you, though. Let’s talk about me!”

‘What are robots made of?’

Looking at Alphys revealed the answer to be B.

*Metal and magic

“Too easy for you, huh? Here’s another easy one for you!”

‘Two trains, Train A and Train B, simultaneously depart Station A and Station B. Station A and Station B are 252.5 miles apart from each other. Train A is moving at 124.7mph towards Station b, and Train B is moving at 253.5mph towards Station A. If both trains departed at 10:00AM and it is now 10:08, how much longer until both trains pass each other?’

Both looked desperately at the dinosaur monster, who gave the shape of a D.

*32.058 minutes

“Wonderful! I’m astounded, folks! Don’t ‘count’ on your victory, however…”

‘How many flies are in this jar?’

Alphys let them know it was option A.

*54

“Correct! You’re so lucky today! Let’s play a memory game, now.”

‘What monster is this?’

It showed a picture of what appeared to be a Froggit. Ironically, it was Frisk who nearly jumped the gun this time, before Kid noticed Alphys was gesturing for D and corrected their partner’s mistake.

*Mettaton.

“I’m so flattered you remembered! But can you get this one?”

‘Would you smooch a ghost?’

On seeing all the options were the same, both looked at Alphys, who merely shrugged, as though to say ‘they’re all correct.’ So, to mess with the android, Frisk chose A and Kid chose D.

*Heck Yeah!

“Great answer! I love it! Here’s a simple one.”

‘How many letters in the name Mettatonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

At Alphys’ advice, both chose C.

*825

(fun fact, I wrote all those ‘n’s by simply long-pressing the ‘n’ key on my keyboard, and then just copied it into another doc, so that’s the actual amount of letters in that version of the name)

“Of course that was easy for you! Time to break out the big guns!”

‘In the dating simulation game “Mew Mew Kissy Cutie”, what is Mew Mew’s favorite food?’

“Oh!” Alphys cuts in. “Oh! I know this one! It’s snail ice cream! In the fourth chapter, everyone goes to the beach, and she buys ice cream for all of her friends! But it’s snail flavor and she’s the only one who wants it! It’s one of my favorite parts of the game because it’s actually a very powerful message… about… friendship… and…”

“Alphys, Alphys, Alphys,” Mettaton interrupted. “You aren’t helping our contestants, are you? Ooooooh! You should have told me. I’ll ask a question… you’ll be sure to know the answer to!”

‘Who does Dr. Alphys have a crush on?’

The four options were clear as day. Undyne, Asgore, Frisk and Don’t know. Kid wasn’t sure why, but they got kinda jealous when they saw Frisk’s name there.

I’ve noticed how she looks at Undyne. Frisk noted.

Yeah, but why would she design a combat robot if not to impress royalty? Kid replied.

I choose Undyne, you choose Asgore?

Works for me.

And so, both Frisk and Kid chose an option.

~~~~~~~

In the Ruins, Undyne was blushing at Frisk’s choice, hiding her face in her hands, but peeking through her fingers to keep watching, hope not-so-clear on her face due to it being in her hands.

~~~~~~~

In the Capital, Asgore sat watching TV and was highly flattered that the young Monster Kid chose him, even mildly blushing. He’d have to tell the poor dinosaur monster that her feelings for him were unrequited. Though, maybe his Head of Science and his Head of Security would make a cute couple. He’d see about helping them get together.

Human… you are too good for this dark cavern… I’m sorry…

~~~~~~~

“...I’ll discuss your choices one at a time, starting with the human’s choice!” Mettaton decided after a brief pause, as though he was allowing a story to briefly focus on other characters. “See, Alphys? I told you it was obvious! Even the human figured it out!” He then turned back to the camera and contestants. “Yes, she scrawls her name in the margins of her notes. She names programming variables after her. She even writes stories of them together… sharing a domestic life. Probability of crush: 101%. Margin of error… 1%.”

~~~~~~~

Undyne’s blush grew to yet unseen proportions, and she hid her eyes in her hands. However, a smile played on her lips at the thought of the cute dinosaur scientist.

~~~~~~~

“And now, for the monster’s choice!” Mettaton continued. “Why would someone outfit an amusement robot with brutal combat capabilities? Simple. To impress the royalty of their land - in this case, one Mr. Asgore Dreemurr - of course! Or, as Alphys calls him… ‘Mr. Dreamy.’ Those strong arms… That lustrous beard… Like all those who create weapons, she craves the tender embrace of a burly man. Can she truly be blamed?”

~~~~~~~

Asgore’s blush grew as well, though not as much as Undyne’s. He still didn’t feel the same about the scientist, and he didn’t want to play with her feelings, or try to fake something he didn’t feel.

~~~~~~~

“And, just because I’m already explaining the answers, I’ll even explain the other two! While you would have been completely wrong had you chosen Frisk, you would deserve some credit. I’ve seen her watch you on her computer screen. Smiling when you succeed. Shrieking when you fail. And always, always whispering… ‘No! Wrong! You have to go that way!’ In its own way, is that not love?”

This time, it was Frisk’s turn to blush. Meanwhile, Monster Kid was not having it. They wrapped their tail around Frisk and pulled them close, glaring at their fellow dinosaur monster, which only grew Frisk’s blush.

~~~~~~~

Toriel couldn’t help but coo at how cute the two children were together. She was already planning some sort of ceremony for them, even if not marriage.

Papyrus was happy his friend had seemingly found love, even if it wasn’t with him. Especially since it wasn’t with him.

Sans only looked on in annoyance at hearing his ex-coworker renamed programming variables after her crush.

Undyne had fled the room to scream into a pillow in excitement.

~~~~~~~

Asgore, meanwhile, lost his blush at seeing how the two children were behaving.

Am I really going to do this…? Take away one monster’s love interest, just to free my people…? If it was a matter of life and death, I’d be more willing, but this… I… I have to… Even if I don’t want to…

~~~~~~~

“And, ironically, had you chosen that you don’t know, that’d be correct, too! Dr. Alphys’ final crush is on… the Unknowable. You see, Alphys believes there is someone out there. Someone watching her. Someone she thinks is ‘cute’ and ‘interesting.’ Hello, theoretical person. Dr. Alphys likes you. Too bad you’re not real!” A derisive laugh track sounded.

“H-Hey!” Alphys cut in. “I’ve done research about this! There are alternate universes out there! S-someday, maybe, I could meet them…”

“You said the exact same thing about ‘Mew Mew Kissy Cutie.’ But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Person, if you’re out there… how about giving us a sign, right now?”

~~~~~~~

All across the multiverse, numerous people gained blushes of varying degrees. Everyone who had been watching her in any way, had gained a blush.

~~~~~~~

“Anyway! With Dr. Alphys helping you, the show has no dramatic tension. We can’t go on like this! But. But! This was just the pilot episode! Next up, more drama! More romance! More bloodshed! Until next time, darlings!” Mettaton then rolled away. The ENCOUNTER screen faded away, once more showing the Lab. Kid was still holding Frisk close to them with their tail and glaring at Alphys, who sweated nervously.

“Heh… um… can we just, uh… f-forget that ever happened?” Alphys asked. Kid’s glare only increased. “Um… n-nevermind, then… Hey, can I see your phones, so I can better stay in contact with you two?” Frisk gave their phone to Alphys, prompting her to stare at it in shock. “This thing’s ancient! It doesn’t even have texting! Uh… G-Give me a second!” She then walked off, to somewhere they couldn’t see, before she started upgrading their phone. Though, based on the sounds, it might actually be that she’s destroying it for parts and planning on giving the human a better phone. And, lo and behold, when the reptilian scientist returned, she held a smartphone, instead of Frisk’s old flip phone.

“If you take a straight path following my instructions, you should get to New Home fast enough,” Alphys said. “I’ll guide you from here.”

The monster and human pair bid the scientist farewell and walked through the eastern exit of the Lab, seeing that the path quickly veered north to a pair of conveyor belts going in two opposing directions. Frisk’s phone rang, and they answered, putting it on speaker.

“ S-So, I know you two just left, b-but I want to make sure you two know w-where you’re g-g-going, ” Alphys’ voice came through. “ Y-You can clearly see that the path only heads north to start, but soon enough, you’ll come across numerous intersecting paths. Some will bring you back here, and others will lead you forward, so just f-follow my instructions. ” The line closed.

“Well, I suppose this could be worse,” Kid said, though Frisk looked like they disagreed.

“Why does it have to be so damn hot here?” Frisk asked in exasperation, and Kid realized, they were wearing a sweater, of course they’d find it unbearably hot. “Ugh, but I can’t take off my sweater…”

“Let’s just try to get to the CORE. There’s a cooling system there that should keep us cool, and the elevators will be brief respites.”

And so, the pair walked onward through Hotland, eventually reaching a launch vent that led in three directions, but kept alternating which ones. In front of them, to the north, was a massive locked door. Both east and west, however, were open pathways to two different buildings.

Frisk’s phone rang, and they put it on speaker.

“ I-I’m sure you two h-have noticed the massive door in front of you? To open it, y-you’ll need to complete two puzzles. One of you should take the East puzzle, while the other should take the West. They don’t need to be completed simultaneously, but i-it goes faster if you do, ” Alphys instructed before closing the line. Frisk nodded at Kid and, with only a shared thought, Frisk took East while Kid took West.

~~~~~~~

Frisk walked into the building to the east and saw blocks, well, blocking the box between a yellow arrow and a white one. Alphys called again.

“ Y-You have to, uh, shoot the arrow opposite yours, but you only have two s-shots, so you need to make them count, ” Alphys said. “ Use the arrow buttons on the control pad to m-move the boxes around. Relay that to K-Kid, would you? ”

“Alright. Talk to you later, Alphys,” Frisk replied, hanging up. With only a thought, Kid now knew the instructions. Looking at the puzzle, Frisk moved the blocks down one and sideways one, before using one bullet to remove the remaining obstacle block, and another to shoot the other arrow. They then moved to return to the door.

~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Kid walked into the building to the west, and saw the same thing. After a tiny wait, they received instructions from their headmate, and carefully used the tip of their tail to press the buttons.

Pressing the up button, then the left button, and lastly the down button, Kid then shot twice. Both shots soared, but one destroyed a block. The other met its target, as intended.

They then moved to return to the door.

~~~~~~~

With both puzzles done, Frisk and Kid moved through the door, turning east and going across numerous vents. Upon landing, they found themselves at an incredibly dark area.

Kid, can you use your night vision? Frisk asked.

No. This is some sort of magical darkness. Kid replied. The two carefully walked forward, only for the lights to suddenly turn on.

They see Mettaton, standing at a counter, in what is obviously a kitchen setup.

“Welcome, beauties and gentle-beauties, to Cooking with a Killer Robot!” Mettaton greeted. “Pre-heat your ovens, because we’ve got a very special recipe for you today!”

Frisk looked kinda interested, while Kid looked cautious.

I know this is a test for us, but something doesn’t seem right. Kid thought. Frisk thought it over and agreed with their friend.

“We’re going to be making… a cake!” Mettaton announced. “My lovely assistants here will gather the ingredients. Everyone give them a big hand!” A clap track played, and Frisk decided to curtsy while Kid decided to bow. “We’ll need sugar, milk and eggs.” Frisk noticed the three ingredients on the back counter, so they grabbed the eggs(the most fragile of the ingredients) while Kid used their magic to grab the milk and sugar. They moved them to the counter, and Mettaton applauded.

“Perfect! Great job, beauties!” Mettaton complimented. “Now, we need to prepare all the ingredients, including the ones already on this counter! It’ll be a chocolate-cinnamon cake!”

A cook book was laying open in front of the human/monster pair, and looking in it, it specified that the cinnamon needed to be ground into dust, while the chocolate bars would need to be chopped into thin slices.

Nodding at each other, Kid moved the cinnamon over to their area with their magic, while Frisk summoned a knife and began cutting the chocolate.

The chocolate shavings were so thin, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t notice them visually, but they were there. Frisk put the cut chocolate into the mixing bowl, right as Kid put in the cinnamon.

The book then said to add three eggs, a half-cup of milk, and a fourth-cup of sugar. The two children quickly gathered the ingredients and put them into the bowl, using the specified measurements.

Mettaton came over and inspected the mixture, only to gasp dramatically.

Here’s the test part… Frisk thought, drawing a subtle nod from Kid.

“Oh my!” Mettaton announced dramatically. “Wait a magnificent moment! How could I forget! We’re missing the most important ingredient!” He then pulled out a chainsaw. “A human SOUL!” He activated the chainsaw and started moving towards the pair.

“Mettaton, what the hell!?” Frisk yelled, slowly moving back. Mettaton then seemingly rang. He quickly answered.

“Hello…? I’m kind of in the middle of something here.”

“ W-wait a second! ” Alphys’ voice came through. “ Couldn’t you make a… Couldn’t you use a… Couldn’t you make a substitution in the recipe!? ”

“...A substitution? You mean, use a different, non-human ingredient? …Why?

“ Uh, what if someone’s… vegan? ”

“...Vegan.”

“ Uh, well, I mean— ”

“That’s a brilliant idea, Alphys! Actually, I happen to have an option right here! MTT-Brand Always-Convenient Human-Soul-Flavor-Substitute! A can of which… is just over on that counter! Well, beauties? Why don’t you two go get it?”

Frisk and Kid walk over to the counter, only for it to suddenly shoot up, making the top unreachable.

“By the way, our show runs on a strict schedule,” Mettaton chimed in. “If you can’t get the can in the next one minute… we’ll just have to go back to the original plan! So… better start climbing, beauties!”

Frisk looked up at the challenge, a DETERMINED look on their face. Kid noticed the look immediately.

“What’s the plan, Frisk?” they asked.

“Something I’ve been wanting to try,” Frisk replied, before summoning at least a thousand knives… in the shape of wings on their back. “I’ll be right back!” They launched themself upwards, flapping the knife-wings repeatedly to get upward.

Mettaton flies up as well, throwing eggs at Frisk, which they have to dodge, as blocking would slow them down.

Left! Kid projects. Right! Right again! Spin! Frisk followed their instructions, managing to evade each and every egg, as Mettaton runs out pretty quickly. I mean, the package was only a dozen eggs, and three were used to make the cake, meaning there were nine left.

Next up, Mettaton returned with sugar, which Frisk, once again, dodged. Though, it’s more accurate to say they didn’t stop spinning, creating enough force that the sugar was all blasted off-course. Once Mettaton ran out of sugar, however, he got the milk and began pouring massive amounts at Frisk, who had to much more carefully dodge. Spinning wouldn’t work now.

Mettaton quickly ran out of milk, too, and Frisk finally reached the top of the cabinet, grabbing the substitute before diving back down to the ground, landing gracefully and dismissing their knives. Kid gained a slight blush at the graceful landing. Frisk, meanwhile, put their hands on their knees, exhausted.

“Let’s… save that… for serious situations only… okay?” Frisk asked, causing Kid to offer their shoulder for Frisk to lean on. Frisk complied, hugging the barely-shorter monster in gratitude.

“My my,” Mettaton said. “It seems you’ve bested me. But only because of your magic, which exhausted you anyway! Oh, I loathe to think of what would have happened to you without it! Well, toodles!”

“Wait, what about the extract?” Kid asked in annoyance.

“Oh, yes! About the substitution… Haven’t you ever seen a cooking show before? I already baked the cake ahead of time! So forget it!” Mettaton then rolled off, and Kid helped Frisk sit down, before sitting down themself. Frisk’s phone rang, so they pulled it out and answered, putting it on speaker.

“ Wow! ” Alphys said, impressed. “ That was… I don’t even have words! Great job out there, Frisk! W-well, uh, anyway, go ahead and keep moving forward! ” She then hung up, leaving the pair to just sit, enjoying each other’s company.

Frisk suddenly gained a mischievous smirk.

Wanna finish making that cake, without even using the SOUL substitute? Frisk asked.

Sure. Kid replied, a similar smirk on their face.

~~~~~~~

Soon enough, the duo were once more in a dark area.

Frisk’s phone rang, so Frisk answered, putting it on speaker.

“ Okay, I’m back! ” Alphys said. “ A-another dark room, huh? Don’t worry! M-my hacking skills have got things-” There was a pause as the lights came on on their own, and the TV in Alphys’ lab could be heard turning on as well.

“Good evening, beauties and gentle-beauties!” Mettaton greeted. “This is Mettaton, reporting live from MTT News! An interesting situation has arisen in eastern Hotland! Fortunately, our correspondents are out there, reporting live! Brave correspondents, please find something newsworthy to report! Our ten wonderful viewers are waiting for you!”

Frisk and Kid looked around, only to spot a cup of water… somehow not evaporating in Hotland’s heat. The pair walked up to it. They then signalled Mettaton.

“Oh? What have you two found?”

“This glass of water,” Kid answered.

“It’s not evaporating,” Frisk added.

“Huh! That is newsworthy!” Mettaton replied. “Attention, viewers! Our correspondents have found… a glass of water! But what’s astonishing about this glass of water… is how it’s not a glass of steam! In the heat of Hotland, it should have evaporated by… Wait a second. That’s not a glass of water! That’s… a bomb! Oh no! This news report is turning into a disaster report! But don’t panic!” Mettaton added, seeing the panicked looks on Frisk and Kid’s faces. “You haven’t even seen the rest of the room yet! It seems everything in this area is actually a bomb! That dog’s a bomb! That basketball’s a bomb! Even my words are…!” Mettaton was cut off as explosion sounds came from his speaker. “Brave correspondents… if you don’t defuse all of the bombs… this big bomb will blow you to smithereens in two minutes! Then you won’t be reporting ‘live’ any longer! How terrible! How disturbing! Our nine viewers are going to love watching this! Good luck, darling!”

“...They’re all fakes,” Kid said, looking at each and every bomb. “The annoying dog can fit into any situation it needs to, including lighting its tail on fire to mimic a bomb. That glass of water is entirely see-through. Not even a mixture of science and magic could turn that into a bomb. The script is too thin. The basketball bounces. The video game’s also too thin. The present could be real, but magical scans show that it’s fake. And the big one is a dud. It lost its explosive ability approximately five minutes before we got here.” Mettaton somehow conveyed a deadpan to the monster child.

“Wow. Way to ruin my fun. This area’s an essential part of Hotland, of course I wasn’t going to blow it up! Honestly.” Mettaton then rolled away.

~~~~~~~

Once again, Frisk and Kid walked into a dark area. Before Frisk’s phone even had a chance to ring, the lights come on. Or, more accurately, one spotlight comes on, pointed at Mettaton, in a dress, on a balcony.

“Oh?” Mettaton said in a female voice(MTT’s a robot, his vocal modulator probably has some female voices stored). “That human… that monster… Could they be…? My two true loves?” Then, he maneuvered himself down the stairs… despite having a wheel for movement.

[Song: Oh! One True Love(Song Artist: Toby Fox)(Cover Artist: The Author)]

[Mettaton]

Oh my loves

Please run away

Monster King

Forbids your stay

You two must

Live far apart

Even if

It breaks my heart

They’ll put you

In the dungeon

It’ll suck

And then you’ll die a lot

Really sad

You’re gonna die

Cry cry cry

So sad it’s happening

[Mettaton(Talking)]

So sad. So sad that you are going to the dungeon. (Pause). Well, toodles! (presses a button causing Frisk and Kid to fall into the dungeon) Oh no! Whatever shall I do? My loves have been cast away into the dungeon. A dungeon with a puzzle so dastardly, my paramours will surely perish! (sees the puzzle) O, heavens have mercy! The horrible colored tile maze! Each colored tile has its own sadistic function. For example, a green tile sounds a noise, and then you must fight a monster. Red tiles will… Actually, wait a second. Didn’t we see this puzzle halfway through Snowdin? That’s right. You remember all the rules, don’t you?

[Frisk(Talking)]

No-!

[Mettaton(Talking)]

Great… Then I won’t waste your time repeating them! Oh, and you’d better hurry, because if you don’t get through in 30 seconds… you’ll be incinerated by these jets of fire! Ahahahahahaha! Ahaha… Ha… Ha! My poor love! I’m so filled with grief, I can’t stop laughing! Good luck, darling!

[Mettaton]

Oh my love

Has fallen down

Now in tears

We all will drown

Colored tiles

Make them a fool

If only they

Still knew the rules(Frisk and Kid struggle to get through.

Well, that wa-(Frisk and Kid both get fed up with the puzzle, so they just summon enough of their magic weapons to clear a path across by breaking the tiles, preventing them from working)

[Song end]

“Well, beauties…!” Mettaton said, annoyed. “Well, well, well. Welly well well. Well welly well well, well well welly. You broke the puzzle… and now, you’re going to die.” An encounter was triggered.

Frisk and Kid both looked at their options. Frisk chose to CHECK Mettaton, while Kid chose to GUARD themself.

“This is it, darling!” Mettaton said. “Say goodbye!” Suddenly, Frisk’s phone rang. “Is that your phone? You’d better answer it!”

Frisk did so, putting it on speaker, and Alphys’ voice came through.

“ H-hey! Th-this seems bad, but don’t worry! There’s one last thing I installed on your phone…! You see that yellow button…? I-It should be available in your ACT menus. Press it! ” Listening to their ally, both Frisk and Kid pushed the button, causing Mettaton to freeze in fear.

“Oh! That yellow glow…!” Mettaton said.

“ Now, will yourselves to use Magic during his turn! ” Both of them did, launching yellow bullets from their SOULs, which were flipped upside-down, with the red parts now being JUSTICE yellow.

“Oooh! Oooooooh! You’ve defeated me!” Mettaton cried out in pain. “How can this be, you were stronger than I thought, et cetera. Whatever…” Mettaton then rolled off yet again.

The encounter ended, so Frisk and Kid continued onward.

~~~~~~~

Soon enough, they were outside a hotel called ‘MTT Resort.’ Sans was standing just outside of it.

“good to see you two,” the skeleton greeted. “it’s gettin’ pretty late, so why don’t you two buy a room in there?”

“I’ve heard some stuff about this place, though,” Kid said. “Isn’t it, like, ridiculously expensive?”

“yeah, but i can foot the bill. you two are growing children, you both need your sleep.”

The two agreed and were shortly shown into a room.

They quickly laid down and fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Kid woke up feeling a pair of arms around them, and a head laying on their chest. Smiling softly, they wrapped their tail around the small of their friend’s back so as to hug them back.

They laid there, admiring how adorable Frisk looked while sleeping, for a while, before realizing that the human was awake, too.

Hey, Frisk. Kid thought.

Hey, Kid. Frisk replied.

You ready to finish Alphys’ test?

Yup. Let’s do this.

And so, the pair got out of bed and went towards the CORE.

~~~~~~~

*The knowledge that you are nearly done with Dr. Alphys’ final test of your abilities fills you with DETERMINATION. HP fully restored.

That was the message on the SAVE star just outside of the CORE Theater. Frisk and Kid, after SAVing there, walked into the theater, and found the robotic entertainer himself, ready for their final showdown.

“Oh, yes,” Mettaton said. “There you are, Darlings. It’s time to have our little showdown. It’s time to finally stop the ‘malfunctioning’ robot.”

…Why did he say it like that? Kid thought.

…I think he’s breaking the script… Frisk replied, worriedly.

“NOT! Malfunction? Get real!”

Uh oh… both of them thought.

~~~~~~~

“THIS ISN’T IN THE SCRIPT,” Papyrus said worriedly.

“let’s go,” Sans replied urgently, grabbing Toriel, Undyne and Papyrus and Shortcutting to the CORE, causing Alphys to scream.

“W-What’s wrong, g-guys?” she asked once she calmed down.

“mettaton’s breaking character,” Sans replied, bringing Alphys’ fear right back.

~~~~~~~

“This was all just a big show! An act! Alphys has been playing you for a pair of fools the whole time!”

“We knew it was an act, idiot!” Frisk yelled. “We agreed to this test!”

“Well then… In that case, allow me to seal the room from any intrusions.” A pulse of magic went through the room, so strong that it could be felt by a Whimsun in the Ruins.

~~~~~~~

Right as Sans tried to Shortcut into the CORE Theater, he felt resistance.

“damn it. mettaton’s locked down the theater. not even i can get in.”

“Then all we can do is hope and pray,” Toriel said. “Take us to Alphys’ lab. We can’t do anything now. We need to trust them.”

“right.”

~~~~~~~

“You see, I’ve had enough of this predictable charade. I have no desire to harm humans! Far from it, actually,” Mettaton laughed. “My only desire is to entertain! After all, the audience deserves a good show, don’t they? And what’s a good show without a plot twist? Sorry, folks! The old program’s been cancelled! But we’ve got a finale that will drive you wild ! Real drama! Real action! Real bloodshed! On our new show… ‘Attack of the Killer Robot’!”

An ENCOUNTER was triggered. Frisk and Kid could only look on in horror; Mettaton was actually trying to kill them now.

[Frisk]

ACT > Defend

[Kid]

ACT > Defend

*Both of you will take less damage this turn.

“Yes, I was the one that re-arranged the CORE!” Mettaton bragged. “I was the one that hired everyone to kill you! That, however, was a short-sighted plan. You know what would be a hundred times better? Killing you myself !” Frisk fired a blast at Mettaton in desperation. “That worthless peashooter won’t work on me, darling. Don’t you understand what acting is?”

Mettaton launched numerous blast-able boxes at Frisk and Kid, so both proceeded to shoot them, clearing a path for them to go through.

[Frisk]

ACT > Look Around

[Kid]

ACT > Taunt

“I bet you can’t even hit a stationary target, let alone a moving one!” Kid shouted.

*You are unable to find anything that could be useful.

*Mettaton’s attacks will be focused on you. Your ally will not be attacked, while you will be attacked twice as hard.

“Listen, beauties. I’ve seen you two fight. You’re weak. If you continue forward, Asgore will take your SOULs. And, with the red SOUL you two share, Asgore will destroy humanity.”

Frisk kept an eye on Kid, making sure they didn’t get hurt. They managed to deal with the entire attack well enough, however.

~~~~~~~

Asgore sat watching the battle, and he was shocked. The two shared a SOUL?

Maybe… I need to rethink my plan… Asgore thought. …no. I can’t falter. I promised war to my people and it gave them hope. I… I can’t take it back now…

~~~~~~~

[Frisk]

ACT > Scold

[Kid]

ACT > Repent(Forced)

“You idiot!” Frisk said. “You taking the entire attack is more likely to make us get hit! From now on, we don’t taunt our enemies, got it!?”

“G-Got it, dude. Sorry,” Kid replied.

“But if I get your SOULs, I can stop Asgore’s plan! I can save humanity from destruction!”

More boxes were sent their way, but these were pure white. Unshootable. Bombs, however, were next to them. By shooting these bombs, the boxes were destroyed, but they gave a plus-shaped explosion, and could only be shot from below, so they both had to dodge right after shooting.

[Frisk]

ACT > Check

[Kid]

ACT > Look Around

*Mettaton

AT - 30

DF - 255

An entertainment robot. He’s broken the script for his own purposes.

*Like your ally, you were unable to find anything of use.

“Then, using your SOULs, I’ll cross through the barrier… and become the star I’ve always dreamed of being! Hundreds… thousands… no! Millions of humans will watch me!”

Once again, it was boxes and bombs, though, occasionally, the boxes would be shootable.

Kid shot one of the bombs, but didn’t get out of the way fast enough.

*HP 37/40

“Agh!” Kid yelled.

“Kid!” Frisk yelled.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

MAGIC > Protect

*Magical interference prevents this action.

*A row of spears appears in front of both yourself and your ally, preventing Mettaton from attacking this turn.

“Damn it!” Frisk yelled. “We can’t heal via magic, Kid!”

“Crap!”

“Glitz! Glamour! I’ll finally have it all! So what if a few people have to die? That’s show business, baby!” Frisk’s phone rang.

*As per the Rules of Magic, if your phone rings during an ENCOUNTER, your opponent’s turn is skipped, and answering does not take your turn.

“U..uh,” Alphys’ voice comes through. Frisk had the smart idea to not put it on speaker this time, and connected their ear to Kid’s brain through their odd magic. “We’re w-watching what’s going on in there… we can’t get in, he sealed the room even from Sans’ shortcuts.”

“which i think is a design flaw, as i’m highly ranked in asgore’s court, but whatever,” Sans cut in.

“SANS, WE’VE BEEN OVER THIS! NEITHER METTATON NOR THE CORE THEATER WERE DESIGNED WITH THAT ABILITY, WHICH MEANS METTATON ADDED IT HIMSELF!” Papyrus scolded.

“i never said it was alphys’ fault this time.”

“BUT YOU IMPLIED IT!”

“i didn’t raise you like this, papyrus.”

“YES YOU DID.”

“yeah, fair.”

“Frisk… Monster Kid… please… be careful…” Toriel added.

“Th… there’s o-one l-l-last way to beat Mettaton… It’s… um… it’s… This is a work-in-progress, so don’t judge it too hard… But, you know how Mettaton always faces people, and never lets any cameras get a look at the back of his chassis? That’s because there’s a switch there. S-s-so if y-y-you c-c-can turn him around… um… And, umm… press th-th-th-the switch… He’ll be… um… He’ll be… Vulnerable. Stay alive, kids,” Alphys said.

“We’ll be ready to warp in as soon as you beat him, got it, nerds?” Undyne finished.

“Got it,” Frisk said.

[Frisk]

ACT > Turn

[Kid]

MAGIC > Illusion

“Hey, Mettaton, there’s a mirror behind you!” Frisk said.

*You tell Mettaton there’s a mirror behind him.

*You create an illusion of a mirror behind Mettaton.

“Oh? A mirror?” Mettaton asked. “Right, I have to look perfect for our grand finale!” He turned around, showing his switch to the children. “Haha! Not too b-”

*Mettaton was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

ACT > Flip Switch

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You flipped Mettaton’s switch.

*You elected to skip your own turn.

“Did you. Just flip. My switch?” Mettaton asked, half-scared and half-annoyed. He abruptly turned around, before glitching out, as a bright light began to be emitted from him.

*Mettaton was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

ACT > Shield eyes

[Kid]

ACT > Shield eyes

*You shield your eyes with your arm, to prevent you from going blind.

*You shield your eyes with your tail, to prevent you from going blind.

(I find it funny that arm takes up more space in Docs than tail, despite tail having four letters while arm has three)

“Ohhhh yes…” Mettaton said. “Ohhh my. If you flipped my switch, that can only mean one thing. You’re desperate for the premiere of my new body! How rude… Lucky for you, I’ve been aching to show this off for a long time. So… as thanks, I’ll give you a handsome reward. I’ll make your last living moments…” The fog that had been hiding Mettaton vanished, showing his new body. “ABSOLUTELY beautiful!”

~~~~~~~

“i’m judging you, alph,” Sans said bluntly.

“I AM, TOO,” Papyrus added just as bluntly.

~~~~~~~

What the hell, Doctor… Asgore thought.

~~~~~~~

[Frisk]

ACT > Check

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*Mettaton EX

AT 47

DF 47

An entertainment robot. He broke the script, so you defended yourself.

*There’s a Magic interference barrier surrounding the room. It also prevents healing. New FIGHT target unlocked.

“Lights! Camera! Action!” Mettaton announced, before sending a massive attack at the pair. Both Frisk and Kid got hit.

*HP 34/40

*HP 31/40

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Interference Barrier > High Damage

[Kid]

FIGHT > Interference Barrier > High Damage

*Interference Barrier HP 12,999,960/13,000,000

*Interference Barrier HP 12/999/920/13,000,000

“Drama! Romance! Bloodshed!” Mettaton said, sending yet another massive attack. Frisk got hit twice, while Kid got hit three times.

*HP 28/40

*HP 25/40

*HP 22/40

*HP 19/40

*HP 16/40

“Damn it!” Frisk yelled in pain, Kid crying out next to them.

Kid! Scan the Interference Barrier some more! We can’t destroy it! Frisk thought.

Right! Kid replied.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*The Interference Barrier seems to be designed specifically to counter healing and teleportation magics.

*The Interference Barrier cannot withstand more than 325,000 attacks from the two of you combined, or if one of you were to only attack it, at your current strength.

“I’m the idol everyone craves!” Mettaton said, before launching yet another attack at them. They both managed to dodge this one, though.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*You have found a weakness in the Interference Barrier. Interference Barrier DEFENSE down.

*You have found a loophole in the Interference Barrier. Healing Magic allowed.

“Smile for the camera!” Mettaton said, launching yet another attack…

*HP 13/40

*HP 10/40

*HP 7/40

*HP 4/40

*HP 1/40

“Agh!” Frisk and Kid yelled simultaneously.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

*Your focus was low due to your low HP. Healing effectiveness greatly reduced.

*HP 2/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

*Your focus was low due to your low HP. Healing effectiveness greatly reduced.

*HP 3/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

“Huh, so you found a loophole in my barrier, huh? Oh, well, healing won’t help you much in this fight! Though, it’s time for a pop quiz! I hope you have figured out how to type! This one’s an essay question!”

‘ESSAY PROMPT: What do you love most about Mettaton?’

[Frisk]

LEGSHAIRARMSVOICE

[Kid]

LEGSCHASSISDANCINGPERSONALITY

*Ratings +360

*Ratings +360

“Oh my… I’m speechless… You’ve completely captured how beautiful I am,” Mettaton replied.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

*Your focus was low due to your low HP. Healing effectiveness greatly reduced.

*HP 4/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

*Your focus was low due to your low HP. Healing effectiveness greatly reduced.

*HP 5/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

“Your essay really showed everyone your heart,” Mettaton said, the heart-shaped object on his belt leaving said belt, drawing a gasp from Kid. “Why don’t I show you mine?” The monster SOUL then shot out numerous bolts of energy, straight at the two children. Try as they might, neither could dodge them all.

*HP 2/40

*HP 0/40

Two SOULs shattered, drawing pained gasps from numerous people all throughout the Underground, before time itself seemed to rewind, though few could see this part.

“You cannot give up just yet,” a voice sounded, directed at both Frisk and Kid. “Children… stay DETERMINED!”

~~~~~~~

Alphys stared at what had moments ago been her TV, but was now the elevator leading up to the CORE Theater. Frisk and Kid had died. She’d failed them. But they came back. The SAVEs hadn’t failed them..

~~~~~~~

Sans stared at what had moments ago been Alphys’ TV, but was now instead his own, as he sat in his house alongside Papyrus, Undyne and Toriel. He could see the anger and sadness in Papyrus’ eyesockets and knew his younger brother remembered the children’s shared death as well.

~~~~~~~

Papyrus stared at what had moments ago been Alphys’ TV, but was now instead his own, as he sat in his house alongside Sans, Undyne and Toriel. He could feel the guilt pouring off of Sans and knew his older brother remembered the children’s shared death as well.

~~~~~~~

King Asgore Dreemurr sat on his throne, watching Mettaton’s show. Or, at least, that’s what had been happening. Of those children, only Monster Kid had been hit enough times to die if they’d had only one LOVE, and different HP bars. This only confirmed one of his worst fears. They shared HP, and both died if it hit zero. To kill the human, he would need to kill one of his own people. And, of course, it was the last human. After this one, he’d need no more human SOULs, and would be able to fulfill his promise to his people.

He’d have to act carefully, however. Even with the handicap of being bound to a monster in SOUL, the human still had access to their magic.

Maybe… this human could free him from his promise, then… through the other option…

He could only hope.

~~~~~~~

Frisk and Kid looked at each other, fear on their faces.

“Well,” Frisk said. “That’s one way to ensure that the RESETs work.”

“Yeah…” Kid replied. “Dying hurts… How did you go through that so many times…?”

“...DETERMINATION. The thing that makes up half of our SOUL. It allowed me to keep going, even through the massive pain we felt.”

“...Hey. I noticed something behind Mettaton, and what seemed to be an additional stat.”

Oh? Frisk replied.

Behind Mettaton was a ratings counter, with a purple line showing the amount currently, and a yellow line showing what appeared to be a goal. Each time we healed each other, the line went up by 400, citing ‘Camaraderie’ as the reasoning. When we gave our answers to the test, the ratings went up 360 for each of our answers. Kid explained.

So… maybe, by getting the ratings count up to the goal, we can finish the fight that way, with that taking less time than just repeatedly trying to Scan the Interference Barrier to weaken it.

We’ll still need to do that, though. We can’t heal each other until it’s weakened enough.

Yeah. Just keep scanning until one of us finds the loophole. Got it.

Frisk’s phone rang, so they answered and put it on speaker.

“ That’s not good at all ,” Alphys said tensely. “ Mettaton was supposed to stay on script! Please… be careful this time. I know your SAVEs still work, but I’ll never stop being concerned that, one of these times, your life won’t be SAVEd.”

“We’ll be careful, Alphys,” Frisk replied. “Get to your lab. Enjoy the show~” Frisk hung up after that. Kid blushed at the tone they’d used. They found it oddly cute.

Frisk and Kid walked into the theater, and found the robotic entertainer himself, ready to end their lives.

“Hey, there’s something cool behind you!” Frisk yelled before Mettaton could even start talking.

“Really?” Mettaton replied, turning around. “Where?” Frisk flipped his switch. “Clever… Very clever.”

“Ohhhh my,” Mettaton said. “If you flipped my switch, that can only mean one thing. You’re desperate for the premiere of my new body. How rude… Lucky for you, I’ve been aching to show this off for a long time. So… as thanks, I’ll give you a handsome reward. I’ll make your last living moments… ABSOLUTELY beautiful!”

*Mettaton has offered you the first turn.

*The Interference Barrier cannot take a turn.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*The Interference Barrier seems to be designed specifically to counter healing and teleportation magics.

*The Interference Barrier cannot withstand more than 325,000 attacks from the two of you combined, or if one of you were to only attack it, at your current strength.

“Lights! Camera! Action!” Mettaton said, launching an attack at the pair. Unlike last time, however, they were prepared for this. They both flawlessly dodged the attack.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*You have found a weakness in the Interference Barrier. Interference Barrier DEFENSE down.

*You have found a loophole in the Interference Barrier. Healing Magic allowed.

“Drama! Romance! Bloodshed!” Mettaton said, unleashing another attack. Neither Frisk nor Kid dodged flawlessly, but they dodged far better than last time, as each only got hit once.

*HP 37/40

*HP 34/40

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

*You are filled with DETERMINATION! Healing boosted.

*HP 39/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

*You are filled with DETERMINATION! Healing boosted. Health exceeded.

*HP 44/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

“I’m the idol everyone craves!” Mettaton dramatically announced, launching a third attack at the children. They both got hit once, yet again. However, due to having excess health, the first hit, to Kid, did additional damage.

*HP 40/40

*HP 37/40

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

ACT > Pose

*You are filled with DETERMINATION! Healing boosted. Health exceeded.

*HP 42/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

*You pose dramatically.

*Pose. Ratings +100

“Smile for the camera!” Mettaton said, launching another attack. Frisk and Kid were prepared once again, however, and dodged flawlessly. Well, almost flawlessly. Kid had a few near-misses, but neither of them got hit.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Illusion

[Kid]

MAGIC > Illusion

*You create an illusion of a spotlight on yourself and dance fluidly. Applause sounds across the Underground.

*Showmanship. Ratings +750

*You create an illusion of a set of arms, as well as another person, and dance the Tango with this illusion. Applause sounds across the Underground.

*Showmanship. Ratings +750

Romance. Ratings +1000

Woah. Romance gives a lot of points. Kid thought, drawing Frisk’s attention to the Ratings counter.

“Oooh, it’s time for a pop quiz!” Mettaton said. “I hope you have figured out how to type! This one’s an essay question!”

‘ESSAY PROMPT: What do you love most about Mettaton?’

The answers the two kids gave were the exact same, though Frisk used Kid’s answer and vice versa, drawing laughs from Alphys, Papyrus, Sans and Asgore, who saw both of the answer sets being used both times.

“Oh my… I’m speechless… You’ve completely captured how beautiful I am,” Mettaton said.

*Ratings +360

*Ratings +360

[Frisk]

ACT > Build Courage

[Kid]

ACT > Be Confused By Ally’s ACTion

“Frisk, what are you doing?” Kid asked.

“Just… wait until my next turn,” Frisk replied, only drawing more confusion from Kid.

“Your essay really showed everyone your hearts,” Mettaton said. “Why don’t I show you mine?” He then unleashed his SOUL from his belt, and it began firing electricity at the two of them. Both dodged quite well, not getting hit at all.

[Frisk]

ACT > Confess Feelings

[Kid]

ACT > Blush Madly, but Confess Feelings in Turn

“I-I like you, Kid. Romantically,” Frisk said, turning to their partner. “Um… after this, do you wanna… maybe… go on a date?”

Kid blushed so hard, Frisk wondered if monsters could turn to dust due to blushing, but nodded shyly. Frisk smiled at their partner.

*Romance. Ratings +1000

*Romance. Ratings +1000

“...Okay, maybe now you’ve really shown everyone your hearts! But I’m just warming up!” Mettaton dramatically announced, launching yet another attack. Kid got hit twice, as they were slightly tripped up by Frisk’s confession, but that’s it.

*HP 38/40

*HP 35/40

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Heal Ally

[Kid]

ACT > Kiss Partner

*You are filled with DETERMINATION and love. Healing greatly boosted. Health exceeded.

*HP 50/40

*Camaraderie. Ratings +400

*Romance. Ratings +1000

*You passionately kiss your partner, trusting in the process that they found.

*Romance. Ratings +1000

*Romance. Ratings +1000

(Note: I’m pretty sure that the Ratings start at around 4000. If you’ve been keeping track, even with the Slowness rating loss during Frisk and Kid’s turn, they’re somewhere near 13,000 in terms of Ratings. To beat Mettaton before removing any of his limbs, you need a Rating score of 12,000. And, let’s be honest, Romance would get a lot of Ratings if it were an option in the actual fight.)

“Ooh, look at these ratings!” Mettaton said, his one visible eye looking at the Ratings counter. “This is the most viewers I’ve ever had! We’ve reached the viewer call-in milestone! One lucky viewer will have the chance to talk to me before I leave the Underground forever! Let’s see who calls in first!” A brief pause, before Mettaton’s ringtone, which sounded like his Battle Music, came from a speaker in his chest, separate from the one he uses for talking. “Hi, you’re on TV! What do you have to say on this, our last show?”

“oh…” Napstablook’s voice came through. “hi… mettaton… i really liked watching your show… my life is pretty boring… but… seeing you on the screen… brought excitement to my life… vicariously.” Frisk and Kid both aw’d at this. “i can’t tell, but… i guess this is the last episode…? i’ll miss you… mettaton…… oh… i didn’t mean to talk so long… oh…” Napstablook then hung up.

“No, wait!” Mettaton yelled. “Wait, Bl… Th… They already hung up… I’ll take another caller!”

Another call came in.

“Mettaton, your show made us so happy!” the first caller said.

“Mettaton, I don’t know what I’ll watch without you,” the second added.

“Mettaton, there’s a Mettaton-shaped hole in my Mettaton-shaped heart,” the third finished.

“Ah… I… I see,” Mettaton sighed. “Everyone… thank you so much. Darlings, perhaps… it might be better if I stay here for a while. Humans already have stars and idols, but monsters… they only have me. If I left… the Underground would lose its spark. I’d leave an aching void that can never be filled. So… I think I’ll have to delay my big debut. Besides, you’ve both proven to be very strong. Perhaps… even strong enough to get past Asgore.”

~~~~~~~

Asgore couldn’t help but agree with Mettaton’s analysis. The pair may be strong enough to get past him.

~~~~~~~

“I’m sure you’ll be able to protect humanity,” Mettaton continued. “Haha… It’s all for the best, anyway. The truth is, this form’s energy consumption is… inefficient. In a few moments, I’ll run out of battery power, and… Well. I’ll be alright. Knock ‘em dead, beauties. And, everyone… thank you. You’ve been a great audience!” With that, Mettaton gently laid down on the floor, his battery running out just after he finished laying down.

*Mettaton has spared you. Spare non-negotiable.

The ENCOUNTER ended, and Frisk and Kid hugged each other in excitement.

We did it! they thought simultaneously.

Chapter Text

Sans, Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne and Alphys all teleported into the CORE Theater. The Interference Barrier was part of Mettaton, so when he ran out of battery, the IB went down, too. As such, Sans and Papyrus could teleport in.

“HUMAN! KID! YOU ARE BOTH OKAY, RIGHT?” Papyrus asked, concerned. Frisk giggled slightly at their friend’s concern, but nodded.

“Our HP is currently over the max,” Kid said. “Frisk’s last healing of me launched us to fifty out of forty.”

“that’s good,” Sans said. “alph, what the hell happened?”

“I-I don’t-” Alphys started.

“Mettaton’s not an android,” Frisk cut in, looking at Alphys in wonder. “An android wouldn’t be able to use magic, and wouldn’t be able to go against their programming. It’s also safe to say they wouldn’t be able to upgrade themselves like this.”

“Plus, the most damning evidence,” Kid added. “Mettaton had a SOUL. Mettaton’s a Ghost Monster, isn’t he?”

Silence pervaded the theater as everyone looked at Kid in shock. Everyone but Frisk, who looked questioningly at Alphys. Not in rage, but in curiosity.

“Y… yes. He is,” Alphys confirmed. “But… please don’t tell anyone. He wanted me to keep it secret.”

“It’s alright, Alphys,” Frisk said. “You were just trying to help a fellow monster out.”

~~~~~~~

(I am not writing that entire story. No thank you. I lack the patience to do so, and I feel you all lack the patience to read it.)

“So you finally made it,” Sans said, eyes dark, as Frisk and Kid walked into the Judgement Hall. “The end of your journey is at hand. Together… the three of you will determine the future of this world. That’s then. Now. You will be judged. You will be judged for your every action. You will be judged for every EXP you’ve earned. What’s EXP? It’s an acronym. It stands for ‘execution points.’ A way of quantifying the pain you have inflicted on others. When you kill someone, your EXP increases. When you have enough EXP, your LOVE increases. LOVE, too, is an acronym. It stands for ‘Level of Violence.’ A way of measuring someone’s capacity to hurt. The more you kill, the easier it becomes to distance yourself. The more you distance yourself, the less you will hurt. The more easily you can bring yourself to hurt others.” Sans’ eyelights lit, and he looked at the pair of children in front of him. “...but you. you never gained any LOVE. ‘course, that doesn’t mean you’re completely innocent or naive. just that you kept a certain tenderness in your heart. no matter the struggles or hardships you faced… you strived to do the right thing. and your companion there is proof enough of that.” Frisk blushed and held Kid close, Kid wrapping their tail around Frisk. “not only did you refuse to hurt anyone, you put yourself at great risk, just to save someone who you barely knew. you never gained LOVE, but you gained love. does that make sense?”

Frisk gently kissed Kid’s forehead, before saying, “Yeah. It does.”

“...now. you’re about to face the greatest challenge of your entire journey. your actions here… will determine the fate of the entire world. if you refuse to fight… asgore will take your soul and destroy humanity. but if you kill asgore and go home… the rest of the monsters will remain trapped underground. what will you do?” Frisk and Kid both stayed silent, as neither truly knew just yet. “well, if i were you, i would have thrown in the towel by now. but you didn’t get this far by giving up, did you? that’s right. you two have something called ‘determination.’ so as long as you do what’s in your hearts… i believe you can do the right thing. alright. we’re all counting on you, kids. good luck.” Sans then shortcutted away, and Frisk and Kid proceeded to the end of the Judgement Hall. After a brief walk through yet another hallway, the pair entered the Throne Room.

Asgore stood just in front of the Throne, watering the flowers that lay at its feet. Frisk and Kid walked up to him, drawing his attention.

“Oh, is someone there?” Asgore asked. “Just a minute. I have almost finished watering these flowers.” There was the audible sounds of someone holding a watering can far too small for their hands. “...Here we are!” He started turning around. “Howdy! How can I…” Recognition flashed across his face, quickly followed by guilt. “Oh. I so badly want to say, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ But… you know how it is.” He walked to a window, showing a view of the surface, through the barrier. “Nice day today, huh? Birds are singing, flowers are blooming… Perfect weather for a game of catch.”

He’s stalling. Kid thought. He doesn’t want to do this any more than either of us do, but he knows we must.

Yeah, I noticed that, too. Frisk replied. We can still try to show him MERCY.

“...You know what we must do,” Asgore said, walking into the next room. Frisk and Kid quickly followed. “So tense…” Asgore said upon seeing how tense the pair were. Just think of it like… a visit to the dentist.” He started walking towards the Barrier. “Are you ready? If not, I understand. I am not ready, either…” Frisk and Kid both took the SAVE Point just outside the Barrier, before following Asgore into it. “This is the Barrier. This is what keeps us all trapped underground.” A pause. “If… If, by chance, either of you have any unfinished business… Please, go do what you must.”

You have anything? Frisk thought.

I… I can’t think of anything. You? Kid replied.

No. Ready?

…As I’ll ever be.

“We’re ready,” Frisk replied verbally.

“...I see… This is it, then. Ready?” Seven SOUL canisters came out of the ground, six of them holding human SOULs, with one empty. An ENCOUNTER triggered.

*A strange light fills the room.

Twilight is shining through the Barrier.

It seems your journey is finally over.

You are both filled with DETERMINATION.

“Human,” Asgore said. “Monster Kid. It was… nice to meet the two of you. Goodbye.” He then shifted to the side, summoned a massive trident, and… shattered the MERCY menu option. Frisk and Kid looked on in shock at the loss of their one ability to not fight him.

*Asgore has offered you the first turn.

[Frisk]

ACT > Check

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*Asgore Dreemurr

AT 80

DF 80

The Mountain King

*You have found the magical essence of the Barrier. New FIGHT target unlocked. New ACT target unlocked.

Asgore didn’t even say anything, instead just unleashing his first attack. It was fairly simple for them both to dodge it.

[Frisk]

ACT > Barrier > Check

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*The Barrier.

AT 0

DF Infinite

A barrier made of magic. Designed to keep things in, not out.

*The Barrier has a defense mechanism. If the time is not yet right for peacetime, the Barrier will not be damaged, no matter the strength thrown at it. If the attacker of the Barrier has hostile intentions for humans, the attacker will be struck down, unless they lack the strength needed to shatter the Barrier. New ACT Option for Asgore Dreemurr unlocked.

Frisk gasped, while Kid openly gaped at the news his Scan had revealed. An attack came, and both managed to dodge it, but just barely.

[Frisk]

ACT > Asgore Dreemurr > Report Findings

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*You tell Asgore that, had he attempted to break the Barrier for the purpose of war with humans, he would have died.

He stops to process your words, as doubt begins to form in his mind.

Asgore skips this turn. Asgore ATTACK Down. Asgore DEFENSE Down.

“Asgore! The Barrier has a failsafe! If you’d attempted to destroy it to eradicate humans, it’d stay standing and you’d die, instead!”

*Unlike Mettaton’s Interference Barrier, The Barrier has no weakpoints or exploits. The only way to destroy it is with the power of the seven human SOULs.

You need a sense of PATIENCE to strike only when the time is right. You need a sense of BRAVERY to be able to do so. You need a sense of INTEGRITY to do what is in your heart. You need a sense of PERSEVERANCE to see the task through to the end. You need a sense of KINDNESS to not abuse this power. You need a sense of JUSTICE to ensure that you are truly doing the right thing. And, most importantly, you need a sense of DETERMINATION to complete your mission.

Scanning the Barrier will not reveal anything further. Now, you are forced to ACT or FIGHT.

*It seems that talking will not be able to do much more. You may now be forced to FIGHT.

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 3460/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 3400/3500

Our attacks gradually do more damage! Kid noted.

He doesn’t want to fight us. He wants us to win. His INTENT is so low, he’ll barely damage us, and we’ll massively damage him. The more we damage him, the more we’ll be able to damage him. Keep attacking. Frisk replied. If we get him down low enough… we may be able to show him MERCY.

Asgore sent yet another attack, and neither child was able to dodge it properly.

*HP 34/40

*HP 30/40

A thought came to Frisk’s mind, though they kept it hidden from Kid.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Call Out

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

* The time is not yet right to strike…

* The Barrier cannot be broken until everyone is SAVEd.

* Their hearts are not all in it.

* The task would not be able to be completed.

* To shatter the Barrier now would do a disservice to Humans and Monsters…

* And that cannot be allowed to happen.

*New ACT target unlocked.

*Asgore Dreemurr was shocked by this turn of events.

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 3320/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr’s turn skipped.

Frisk? Kid thought, confused.

[Frisk]

ACT > Human SOULs > Plead

*You plead with the SOULs to help you with this fight, even if the Barrier can’t be broken yet.

* It is not yet time for us to interfere in your story, DETERMINED ones. You must be PATIENT.

* Please be BRAVE when the time does come. We cannot help you otherwise.

* Your INTEGRITY shall guide you to win this fight through your own means.

* You just need to PERSEVERE against all odds. Trust me. Trust us .

* Your KINDNESS knows no bounds. We know you’ll do the right thing.

* Only through you two can JUSTICE prevail. You will not fail.

*Asgore’s guilt weighs heavy on his back. Asgore Dreemurr AT 0. Asgore Dreemurr DF 0.

Frisk… I… Kid thought in shock.

…Yeah… Frisk replied. I… I didn’t expect this.

*Kid was distracted by Frisk’s ACTions. Turn skipped.

*Asgore Dreemurr was distracted by his guilt. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 2920/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 2500/3500

Asgore launched an attack at Frisk and Kid. Neither dodged successfully, but it didn’t hurt them at all.

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 2000/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 1500/3500

Asgore launched yet another attack, but neither Frisk nor Kid bothered dodging it. Said attack hit them a couple times, but didn’t knock off any HP.

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 1000/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 500/3500

Kid… let me strike him next turn. Don’t attack. Skip your turn. He won’t die today, I promise… Frisk thought.

…Alright, Frisk. I trust you. Kid replied.

Asgore launched one last attack at the pair, and… it was just as useful as his last two. Neither child took damage, even when they got hit.

[Frisk]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > Medium-High Damage

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 10/3500

*You have elected to skip your turn.

“Ah… so that is how it is,” Asgore said, kneeling on the ground. “I remember the day after my son died. The entire Underground was devoid of hope. The future had once again been taken from us by the humans. In a fit of anger, I declared war. I said that I would destroy any human that came here. I would use their SOULs to become godlike… and free us from this terrible prison. Then, I would destroy humanity… and let monsters rule the surface, in peace. Soon, the people’s hopes returned. My wife, however, became disgusted with my actions. She left this place, never to be seen again. Truthfully…” Asgore sighed. “I do not want power. I do not want to hurt anyone. I just wanted everyone to have hope… But… I cannot take this any longer. I just want to see my wife. I just want to see my child. Please… young ones… this war has gone on long enough. You have the power… Take my SOUL, and leave this cursed place.”

Two options appeared in Frisk and Kid’s bullet boxes. The FIGHT button, and the MERCY button. Both of the children moved towards their choices.

“...After everything I have done to hurt you… you would rather stay down here and suffer… than live happily on the surface?” A pause. “Human… I promise you… for as long as you remain here… my wife and I will take care of you as best we can. We can sit in the living room, telling stories… eating butterscotch pie… We could be like… like a family…” A circle of seed-shaped bullets surrounded the King, all but one converging on him, killing him. The last followed once his SOUL appeared, shattering it.

“No!” Frisk and Kid shouted.

“You IDIOTS!” Flowey shouted, appearing from the ground. “In this world… IT’S KILL OR BE KILLED!” He then absorbed the human SOULs.

Chapter Text

Frisk and Kid woke up next to each other, in what seemed to be a void. A bit ahead of them, there was a SAVE star. The pair walked up to it, and Frisk touched it, opening the SAVE screen. Only… there was an issue. The save had… an odd issue.

*Flowey LV 9999 9999:99

My World

Continue Restart

It was Flowey’s, not Frisk and Kid’s. Continue was chosen, and Frisk and Kid appeared in yet another void, with yet another SAVE star just north of them. Once gain, Frisk and Kid walked up to it, and Frisk touched it. This one opened Frisk’s SAVE file, but it starts getting destroyed. Cracks appear from the center, as though it was being rammed with a physical force. Soon, it shattered.

The sound of static rang out, and Flowey’s face appeared out of nowhere, much larger than normal.

“Howdy!” Flowey greeted. “It’s me, Flowey! Flowey the Flower! I owe you two a HUGE thanks. You really did a number on that old fool. Without you, I never could have gotten past him. But now, with your help.. he’s dead .  And I’ve got the human SOULs! Boy! I’ve been empty for so long… It feels great to have a SOUL inside me again. Mmmm, I can feel them wriggling…” Frisk and Kid both gained disgusted looks at that. Neither of them liked the way the demented, apparently-SOULless flower said that. “Awww, you’re feeling left out, aren’t you? Well, that’s just perfect. After all, I only have six SOULs. I still need one more… before I become GOD! And then, with my newfound powers… Monsters. Humans. Everyone! I’ll show them all the real meaning of this world! Oh, and forget about escaping to your old SAVE file! It’s gone forever ! But don’t worry! Your old friend Flowey has worked out a replacement for you! I’ll SAVE over your own death, so you can watch me tear you to bloody pieces over, and over, and over…”

“We won’t let you get away with this, Flowey!” Frisk yelled, standing defiantly alongside Kid. “We’ll stop you!”

“That’s a promise!” Kid added.

“...What? Do you really think you can stop me ?” Deranged laughter from the demented SOULless flower. “You really are idiots!”

Dark music played, as… something… crawled into their view. An ENCOUNTER triggered, but… all they could see was that thing crawling.

“Oh, and don’t count on your precious turns to save you from this,” Flowey said as… whatever it was… kept crawling on-screen. “Turns are for losers !” The thing finished crawling on-screen… and visually appeared as more than a silhouette.

Whelp. Kid thought. I’m gonna have nightmares for life.

Me, too, Kid. Frisk replied. Me, too.

The Construct of SOUL Magic laughed, made of a mixture of machinery and plants.

Flames were launched from a pair of flamethrowers to start the battle, though both Frisk and Kid dodged fairly well. Soon, numerous other attacks joined, giving them a bad time.

The FIGHT button appeared soon enough, and Frisk and Kid both rushed towards it, activating it.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9949/9950

“Ow!” Flowey mocked.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9948/9950

“Ow!” Flowey mocked.

“What the fuck!?” Frisk yelled, dodging yet more attacks.

His DF is too high! Kid thought.

The pair kept dodging the demented no-longer-SOULless flower’s attacks, until the ominous music paused, and a siren sounded. The screen revealed the PATIENCE SOUL, before static covered the kids’ vision.

Everything of the creature barring the screen vanished, and the PATIENCE SOUL remained visible. The music dramatically changed from ominous to eccentric. Knives entered the Bullet Screen, swirling repeatedly. Frisk and Kid kept dodging the knives, until they noticed one was replaced with the ACT button. Frisk activated it.

*You call out to the PATIENCE SOUL to help you.

* Wh… what am I doing? There is no PATIENCE in these attacks… these are the work of an IMPATIENT entity… Take these Bandages… They’ll heal you… Good luck, you two!

The knives turned into bandages, which quickly converged on the pair, healing all their injuries thus far. Static once more filled the screen, before turning back to the Construct of SOUL Magic, which now had one of its tubes have less brightness.

After dodging long enough, Frisk and Kid got the FIGHT button again, and hit it.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9946/9950

“Ow!” Flowey mocked.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9944/9950

“Ow!” Flowey mocked.

He’s still too strong! Kid thought.

…Hold off on attacking him. Frisk replied. Wait until we get through to all six SOULs.

After a few more minutes of dodging, the siren sounded yet again, this time showing the BRAVERY SOUL.

Once the SOUL MODE was properly entered, circles of fists entered the Bullet Screen, rotating, extending and receding. After enough dodging, one of them was revealed to be an ACT button. Kid activated this one.

*You call out to the BRAVERY SOUL to help you.

* ...This behaviour isn’t BRAVE. This is COWARDLY. Attacking two children just because they shunned your ideas for this world… Any time you see my fists in a thumbs-up gesture, grab them. You’ll be healed. You can do this, I know it.

The fists turned into thumbs-up and closed in on the pair of Hybrid SOULs, healing them. The Construct soon reappeared, launching yet more attacks. The attacks were slowly getting more and more erratic and fast, meaning more and more dangerous. It was as though Flowey knew they were sapping his strength.

Soon enough, the music paused once again, and the siren sounded. The INTEGRITY SOUL was shown next.

There was a line of stars above the bottom of the Bullet Screen, limiting movement. Meanwhile, ballet slippers lined up to move up and down into the movement zone, all able to damage Frisk and Kid. Soon enough, they had dodged enough slippers to find the ACT button. Frisk pushed it.

*You call out to the INTEGRITY SOUL to help you.

* No… I swore never to needlessly harm people, for any reason! I refuse to break that vow just because a demented flower wants two kids dead! Take these notes, they’ll keep you afloat. My INTEGRITY demands I heal you, even if I didn’t want to. You can win this, human and monster. Defeat this power thief.

After the music notes healed the pair, they once more faced the Construct. More and more attacks were created by the Construct just to try to kill the two. In addition, Flowey kept SAVing to ‘FILE 2’, and loading, thus fucking with Frisk and Kid’s ability to properly dodge, as they’d occasionally have their SOULs teleported back into an attack’s line of fire when they’d just finished said attack.

Regardless, they soon made it to the next attack.

The sirens yet again sounded, and this time, the PERSEVERANCE SOUL appeared.

Giant books appeared on either side of the Bullet Screen, launching negative words out at the two. Eventually, however, they launched an ACT button, which Kid used.

*You call out to the PERSEVERANCE SOUL to help you.

* I shall PERSEVERE against this flower, and aid you. It’s the right thing to do. You need to PERSEVERE as well. This flower doesn’t know how to. He only knows how to drown out his opposition. Be careful! Positivity shall guide you!

The words spat from the books became positive, and aimed themselves at either Frisk or Kid, healing both of them. Once they were back at full health, the SOUL MODE finished, and Frisk and Kid were once more staring down the Construct. More attacks, more erraticness, and more SAVEs and LOADs. It was becoming difficult to dodge properly, but they were still managing.

Soon enough, the siren sounded yet again, with the KINDNESS SOUL appearing.

Three frying pans appeared just below the TV screen, each flipping three fireballs out for a total of nine per go.

After enough fireballs, one was instead an ACT button. Frisk pressed this one.

*You call out to the KINDNESS SOUL to help you.

* ...I’m so sorry, you two. It appears that this flower has no concept of KINDNESS. Instead, his first instinct was to attempt to kill you. You can be sure that I disagree with him on this. He used my power for MALICE, so I shall use it to be KIND to the two of you. Eat up!

The fireballs turned into various food items, which healed Frisk and Kid on contact.

Once they were at full health, the Construct made yet another appearance.

One more SOUL. Frisk thought. Justice. Based on the weapons we faced for the five others, expect a revolver for them. It’s the only weapon I could find from the surface that hasn’t been used yet.

Alright. Kid replied. Just focus on dodging for now. Flowey’s getting pissed.

And so, Frisk listened to their partner, and dodged numerous attacks aimed at them, which were, yet again, faster.

After what felt like way too long(but was just as long as the other five segments), Frisk and Kid were able to breathe as the siren sounded, showing the JUSTICE SOUL.

As Frisk predicted, there was a revolver in the center of the Bullet Screen. Three targets would appear, and the revolver would turn to each in the order they appeared and shoot bullets out towards them, which soared entirely off the screen. After seven rounds of this, one bullet was replaced with the ACT option. Kid hit this one.

*You called out to the JUSTICE SOUL for help.

* ...Neither of y’all have any LOVE. Harmin’ you two is wrong. It’s not JUSTICE. It’s not even close to JUSTICE. …Take these clovers. They’re based on an old nickname of mine, but I loved tha’ nickname, so they’ll heal ya.

Just as JUSTICE said, the gun now shot clovers, which looped around to hit Frisk and Kid, healing them.

The music abruptly changed, going from the eccentric music of the SOUL MODE sections to… an oddly optimistic tune, as the six SOULs emerged from the TV screen.

* You’ve shown immense PATIENCE to wait to strike until his power was drained.

* You two are immensely BRAVE, to still try to fight him, even when all hope seems lost.

* You showed great INTEGRITY by calling out to us, to help you when you really needed it.

* You two PERSEVERED through this fight, even as he made it seemingly impossible. Frankly, I’m impressed at your PERSEVERANCE. It’s almost a match for mine! Haha…

* You’ve shown a KINDNESS the Underground desperately needed lately. It’s our turn to repay that favor.

* Now show this flower some true JUSTICE.

*And the true power of DETERMINATION!

With that last message from the ENCOUNTER itself, Frisk and Kid were shot back into the Construct’s Bullet Screen.

*Construct of SOUL Magic DF 0

Unlike their other goes, the FIGHT button appeared almost instantly. Both went to it immediately and activated it, before Flowey could even send out an attack.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 8944/9950

Unlike his previous mocking “Ow!”s, Flowey let out a pained scream as each hit connected. He then began unleashing Bullet Chaos upon them, much worse than a Bullet Hell. Every millisecond, it felt like a new attack was starting, but every two-ish seconds, the FIGHT button reappeared. They kept hitting it, while dodging the attacks thrown by Flowey, and taking the healing items thrown by the SOULs, from the Construct.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 8444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 7944/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 7444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 6944/9950

After each hit from the children, Flowey let out another of those pained screams, each one sounding more corrupted than the last.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 6444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 5944/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 5444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 4944/9950

After each hit from the children, the attacks slowed down, no longer being fired at such a rapid pace. His strength was waning.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 4444/9950(yes, I find that ironic. No, it was not intentional.)

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 3944/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 3444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 2944/9950

After each hit from the children, Flowey’s attacks did less and less damage, and the healing items healed more and more. The SOULs were providing less and less strength.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 2444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 1944/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 1444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 944/9950

After each hit from the children, different parts of the Construct gained visible damage. Flowey couldn’t keep them down now.

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 444/9950

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 0/9950

After that last hit, Flowey grew concerned.

“No… NO!!!” he yelled. “This can’t be happening! You… YOU…”

*Construct of SOUL Magic HP 9950/9950

*SAVE file 3 loaded.

“You IDIOTS!” Flowey yelled, smug. “Did you really think you could defeat ME!?” He surrounded them with bullets. “I am the GOD of this world. And you ? You’re hopeless . Hopeless and alone… Golly, that’s right! Your worthless friends can’t save you now. Call for help. I dare you. Cry into the darkness. ‘Mommy! Daddy!’ ‘Somebody help!’ See what good it does you!” He gave them their ACT button. Frisk and Kid both selected it simultaneously.

*You called out to the human SOULs, hoping they could help you. You felt subtle messages imprint themselves on your brains.

* Be PATIENT. We cannot rebel too early.

* Be BRAVE. Stand before him, even when facing death. We’ll be with you shortly.

* Show your INTEGRITY. Do not falter even once.

* PERSEVERE. Keep going.

* We shall show our KINDNESS and save you when it’s time.

* We’ll bring JUSTICE for this flower’s crimes, don’t worry.

“But nobody came,” Flowey mocked. “Boy! What a shame! Nobody else… is gonna get to see you DIE!” The bullets surrounding Frisk and Kid close in… before vanishing, just before hitting them, and they’re healed back from one HP to full. “What? How’d you…? Well, I’ll just…”

*LOAD Failed. No SAVE Available. Not enough DETERMINATION.

“Wh… Where are my powers!?” Flowey shouted. The SOULs appeared around him. “The SOULs…? What are they doing?” The SOULs started rotating.

* You failed to show PATIENCE with anyone, being immensely IMPATIENT.

* Only a COWARD hides behind such immense power against children. You lack BRAVERY.

* You never stayed true to yourself. You performed many different paths, all varying, all with varying outcomes. You’ve killed just as many times as you’ve SAVEd people. You lack INTEGRITY.

* You couldn’t even PERSEVERE long enough for there to be consequences for your actions. Hmph.

* Your only attempts to show KINDNESS were to manipulate people, which isn’t even true KINDNESS. You have violated my SOUL.

* You need to be shown JUSTICE for your crimes, you sick flower.

“NO!” Flowey yelled. “NO! YOU CAN’T DO THAT! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO OBEY ME! STOP! STOP IT! STOOOOPPPP!” The SOULs drained Flowey’s power, before vanishing.

The ENCOUNTER didn’t end, however. Instead, Frisk and Kid appeared in a regular bullet box. Two options, FIGHT and MERCY, appeared before them. Both of them moved to their choice.

“...What are you doing?” Flowey asked. “Do you really think I’ve learned anything from this? No.” Frisk and Kid chose MERCY again. “Sparing me won’t change anything. Killing me is the only way to end this.” Yet another MERCY. “If you let me live… I’ll come back.” MERCY. “I’ll kill you.” MERCY. “I’ll kill everyone.” MERCY. “I’ll kill everyone you love!” MERCY. Silence. MERCY. A questioning expression appears on Flowey’s face. MERCY. “...why?” MERCY. “...why are you two being… so nice to me?” MERCY. “I can’t understand…” MERCY. “I can’t understand!” MERCY. “I just can’t understand…”

*Flowey ran away.

Chapter Text

The ENCOUNTER ended, so Frisk and Kid walked towards the Barrier.

However, they knew they could not complete their mission. The six SOULs had vanished after the Construct was defeated. The Barrier was doomed to stay up.

Frisk and Kid, however, left the Underground, mourning the loss of the King, and feeling bad for their friends beneath the mountain.

~~~~~~~

A couple months later, and Frisk and Kid were both doing fairly well on the Surface. Despite their age, Frisk had a job so they could live with Monster Kid, and both of them had school.

One day, Frisk got a phone call.

“heya,” Sans’ voice came through the voicemail message. “is anyone there…? well, i’ll just leave a message. so… it’s been a while. the queen returned, and is now ruling over the underground.” Excitement made itself clear on Frisk’s face as they listened to the message while holding Kid. “she’s enstated a new policy… all the humans who fell here will be treated not as enemies… but as friends. it’s probably for the best, anyway. the human souls asgore gathered… seem to have disappeared. so, uh, that plan ain’t happening any time soon. but even though people are heartbroken over the king… and things are looking grim for our freedom… the queen’s trying her best not to let us give up hope. so, uh, hey… if we’re not giving up down here… don’t give up wherever you two are, ok? who knows how long it will take… but we will get out of here.”

“SANS!” Papyrus’ voice sounded. “WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO?”

“oh, nobody.”

“WHAT? NOBODY? CAN I TALK TO THEM TOO?”

“here, knock yourself out.”

“WAIT A SECOND… I RECOGNIZE THIS NUMBER! ATTENTION, HUMAN AND MONSTER KID! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS… AM NOW CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD! IT’S EVERYTHING I EVER DREAMED OF… EXCEPT, INSTEAD OF SIGHTING, WE JUST WATER FLOWERS. SO THAT’S EVER-SO-SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. AND, WE’RE HELPING DR. ALPHYS WITH HER RESEARCH! SHE’S GONNA FIND A WAY TO GET US OUT OF HERE. UNDYNE IS HELPING HER, TOO! THOUGH, TO BE HONEST, HER METHOD OF HELPING… SEEMS KIND OF… EXPLOSION-INDUCING. BUT I THINK ALPHYS LIKES HAVING HER AROUND. UH OH!”

“Hey!” Undyne’s voice could be heard this time. “What are you up to, punks!? Ngahhhh!”

“PLEASE DON’T NOOGIE THE PHONE.”

“Hey! Who’s in charge here!?”

“ME.”

“Oh… yeah, that’s right! I quit my job as leader of the Royal Guard. Actually, since we won’t be fighting anymore… the Royal Guard totally disbanded. There’s, uh, only one member now.

“BUT HE’S EXTREMELY GOOD.”

“Yeah! He is! C’mere!”

“PLEASE DON’T NOOGIE THE SKELETON.”

“Anyways, now I’m working as Alphys’ lab assistant… We’re gonna find a way out of this dump once and for all! Oh, yeah, and I’m a gym teacher at the queen’s new school. Did you know I can bench-press seven children!? Awesome, right? …Hey. I’m sorry about what happened with Asgore. You were just doing what you had to. It’s not your fault he… Ah, darn it. I miss the big guy…”

“H-Hey, Undyne, are you okay…?” Alphys’ voice joined the group.

“I’m fine. Why don’t you talk for a while?”

“U… uh, okay! Man, she’s tsundere…” A long pause. “...Um, hi… S-sorry, I hate talking on the phone. I don’t really know what to say. …Hey, so did you know Undyne and I started dating? It actually happened a few days after you two left… A-anyway… Mettaton’s doing okay! And! Um! I’m trying to figure a way for us to get out of here! B-but I kinda have no idea what I’m doing… I’ll figure it out eventually, though. The queen is a lot different from Asgore… she actually checks to see if I’m doing anything. She’s really turned this whole place around! Oh! Hey! Wait a second! …Hey! Toriel! Do you wanna talk to…? …Well, she says she’s busy.”

“Oh, she says she’s busy,” Undyne said jokingly.

“BUT IF SHE KNEW WHO WE WERE TALKING TO…”

“we wouldn’t get the phone back for at least a few hours.”

“WE HAVE THE MERCY TO SPARE YOU FROM HER!”

“B-But, if you want to, call and talk to her any time,” Alphys added.

“Yeah! She’d be happy to hear from ya!” Undyne said.

“oh, whoops,” Sans said. “this thing’s almost outta batteries. so, hate to cut this short, but… be seeing you, ok, kiddos?”

“BYE BYE FOR NOW!” Papyrus added.

“See ya, punks!” Undyne said.

“G-good… Good… Hey, why do I have to be the one to hang up?” Alphys asked. “Eheheh… I hate goodbyes… Um, we’ll see you two again someday!”

With a click, the phone hung up. Frisk and Kid sat on their couch, lightly crying in happiness at hearing their friends’ voices.

Suddenly, there was a sound that was eerily familiar to the two kids. Vines wrapping around their house. Shortly after, a flower bloomed in their floor… a flower with a face.

“Why…?” Flowey asked, confused. “Why did you let me go? Don’t you realize that being nice… just makes you get hurt? Look at yourselves. You made all these great friends… But now, you’ll probably never see them again. Not to mention how much they’ve been set back by you two. Hurts, doesn’t it?” Flowey then turns to Frisk. “If you had just gone through without caring about anyone… You wouldn’t have to feel bad now. So I don’t get it… If you really did everything the right way… why did things end up like this? With you two all sad up here, and the rest of Monsterkind all sad down there? Why..? Is life really that unfair?” A pause, as Flowey’s expression morphs from mock sadness to a mischievous smirk. “Say. What if I told you… I knew some way to get you a better ending? You’ll have to load your SAVE file, and… Well, in the meantime, why don’t you go see Dr. Alphys? It seems like you could have been better friends. Who knows… maybe she’s the key to your happiness…? See you soon.” Flowey retreated, and Frisk and Kid could hear the vines retreat from surrounding their home.

One of their neighbors came in, concerned.

“Are you two alright?” Michael asked. Michael Aeron, a young man with a son Frisk and Kid’s age, who started helping the two out shortly after they moved in. His son, Aaron Aeron(It was his mother’s idea), quickly became friends with Frisk and Kid, and introduced the pair to his friend group.

“Yeah,” Frisk replied. “Those vines were summoned by a flower monster. I… I guess he’s capable of leaving the Underground?” Frisk had explained their entire journey to Michael and Aaron, including the SAVE ability. “He… He gave us an idea. I’m sorry, but you won’t remember any of this friendship, nor will Aaron.”

“Why not?”

“...This idea… It involves us using our ability to try something we failed to do…”

“Tell me what I can do to help.”

“Well,” Kid said, before pausing. “We… we’d at least like a sending-off party of all our friends in this timeline, before it gets wiped when we LOAD.”

“Hmm… I can do that. Though, you’ll have to explain this ability to all your friends.”

“...We can do that. They won’t remember this, anyway.”

Chapter Text

Frisk, Kid, and their friends were all gathered in Frisk and Kid’s house. Frisk and Kid had just finished explaining their ability to them.

“...Will… will you miss us?” Tina O’Malley asked, tearing up slightly.

“...Yeah,” Frisk replied, tearing up as well. “But, unlike the monsters, we’ll get to see you again for sure.”

“Good luck!” Thomas Smith said, a somber smile on his face. “We’ll see you next timeline! E… even if we won’t know it…”

“...S-see you dudes next timeline!” Kid replied. After a second, Frisk and Kid rushed towards their friends, and everyone hugged each other.

“Hey…” Aaron began. “...you said that some people are capable of remembering… Could you show us where we should meet up with you two if we can remember?”

“...That’s not a bad idea,” Frisk replied.

“Besides, we may need to tap into the Underground’s natural magic, since, even with our SOULs merged, Frisk doesn’t generate magic naturally,” Kid added.

~~~~~~~

Everyone had now gathered at the exit of the Underground. Frisk and Kid could feel the natural magic of the Underground, even from outside of it.

“...Good luck, you two…” Michael said. “Please… don’t forget any of us.”

“...We won’t,” Frisk replied.

And so, time itself began to rewind. Few in existence could remember, however.

~~~~~~~

Moments ago, Alphys had been giving a report to Toriel. Now, she was back in her lab, and her Entity Follower was once again set to Frisk. She knew what happened.

~~~~~~~

Moments ago, Sans was helping Alphys with a report to Toriel, but was now back in Grillby’s. He knew what Frisk and Kid had done. He wasn’t sure how to feel about their choice.

~~~~~~~

Moments ago, Papyrus was watering the flowers in the Throne Room as his brother and Alphys gave their report. Now, however, he was in his house, holding a picture he’d taken with Frisk and Kid. He knew when this was.

~~~~~~~

Moments ago, Asgore had been dead. He knew that much. Now, however, he was alive and in the Barrier.

What are they doing…? Asgore thought, confused. They’d gotten free, what reason did they have to return…?

~~~~~~~

Just outside the Barrier, in the Underground, Frisk and Kid stood. They’d been given an idea by Flowey, and now, they had another chance. Frisk pulled out their phone and called Alphys.

“Hey, Alphys,” Frisk began. “We… got given some advice on what to do to get a better ending. Can we meet you at your lab?”

“ S-Sure… ” Alphys replied. “ C-Come on over. Sh-Should I call the others, too? ”

“That might be a good idea. We’ll be there shortly.”

With that, Frisk hung up and began walking back to the Lab, Kid following, while Asgore, who’d been eavesdropping, looked shocked. A better ending? They got free. What ending could be better…?

~~~~~~~

Frisk and Kid made it to the Lab, only to not see Alphys. Instead, in front of the door to her bathroom was a note.

‘Hey.

Thanks for your support, you two. You guys… Your support really means a lot to me.

But… as difficult as it is to say this… You guys alone can’t magically make my own problems go away.

I want to be a better person.

I don’t want to be afraid anymore.

And for that to happen, I have to be able to face my own mistakes.

I’m going to start doing that now.

I want to be clear; this isn’t anyone else’s problem but mine.

But, if you don’t ever hear from me again…

If you want to know ‘the truth.’

Enter the door to the north of this note.

You all at least deserve to know what I did.’

Shortly after Frisk finished reading the note, the door on the opposite side of the Lab opened, and Undyne, Sans, Papyrus and Toriel all walked in, looking for Alphys.

“Alphy called us and told us to come here,” Undyne said. “Any idea why?”

“...She left a note for us,” Frisk replied. They then read the note out loud, so everyone was on the same page.

“...that sounds bad,” Sans said, serious for once. “it… we need to find her. she said to go through the door to the north of that note? where’d you find it?”

“...Right to the south of the bathroom door,” Kid replied.

“then that probably isn’t a bathroom. let’s go!” Sans walked up to the ‘bathroom’ door, only for it to open by itself, revealing… an elevator.

“...That is decidedly not a bathroom,” Undyne said. Everyone piled into the elevator, and Frisk pressed the only button there was on it. The elevator started heading down, only for it to shudder and stop abruptly.

“Warning!” an artificial voice shouted as alarms began blaring. “Warning! Elevator losing power! EM tether stability lost! Altitude dropping!”

The elevator impacted the ground, knocking everyone unconscious.

~~~~~~~

Frisk and Kid were the first two to regain consciousness. Both stood up in the surprisingly-intact elevator and began waking the rest of their group up.

The elevator door opened suddenly, pouring light into the elevator. Frisk carefully walked forward, the rest of the group following.

The elevator opened into a hallway of what appeared to be a hospital, though with the power not functioning, it was understandably hard to tell.

Frisk led the group forward, though they stopped at a terminal on a wall.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 1

This is it… Time to do what the King has asked me to do. I will create the power to free us all.

I will unleash the power of the SOUL.’

The group moved to the next terminal.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 2

The barrier is locked by SOUL power. Unfortunately, this power cannot be recreated artificially. SOUL power can only be derived from what was once living.

So, to create more, we will have to use what we have now…

The SOULs of monsters.’

“...I don’t think I like where this is going,” Frisk said.

“...This might be why Alphy knew monsters couldn’t hold DETERMINATION,” Undyne added. “Let’s keep an eye on these terminals. We can learn a lot, I’m guessing.”

The group proceeded to the next one.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 3

But extracting a SOUL from a living monster would require incredible power…

Besides being impractical, doing so would instantly destroy the SOUL’s host. And, unlike the persistent SOULs of humans…

The SOULs of most monsters disappear immediately upon death. If only I could make a monster’s SOUL last…’

“This is definitely how Alphys learned monsters couldn’t hold DETERMINATION,” Kid said. “...This story doesn’t have a happy ending, does it…?”

‘ENTRY NUMBER 4

I’ve been researching humans to see if I can find any info about their SOULs. I ended up snooping around the castle… and found these weird tapes. I don’t feel like Asgore’s watched them…

I don’t think he should.’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 5

I’ve done it.

Using the blueprints, I’ve extracted it from the human SOULs.

I believe this is what gives their SOULs the strength to persist after death.

The will to keep living… The resolve to change fate.

Let’s call this power… DETERMINATION.’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 6

Asgore asked everyone outside the city for monsters that had Fallen Down.

Their bodies came in today.

They’re still comatose… And soon, they’ll all turn into dust.

But what happens if I inject DETERMINATION into them?

If their SOULs persist after they perish, then… Freedom might be closer than we all thought.’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 7

We’ll need a vessel to wield the monster SOULs when the time comes. After all, a monster cannot absorb the SOULs of other monsters. Just as a human cannot absorb a human SOUL…

So then… what about something that’s neither human nor monster?’

Frisk and Kid pulled each other close, finding something about that scarily familiar. A certain Cream Cup flower flashed in both of their minds.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 8

I’ve chosen a candidate.

I haven’t told Asgore yet, because I want to surprise him with it… In the center of his garden, there’s something special. The first golden flower, that grew before all the others. The flower from the outside world. It appeared just before the queen left.

I wonder…

What happens when something without a SOUL gains the will to live?’

Flowey… Frisk thought.

Yeah… Kid replied.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 9

Things aren’t going well.

None of the bodies have turned to dust, so I can’t get the SOULs.

I told the families that I would give them the dust back for the funerals. People are starting to ask me what’s happening.

What do I do?’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 10

Experiments on the vessel are a failure. It doesn’t seem to be any different from the control cases.

Whatever. They’re a hassle to work with, anyway. The seeds just stick to you, and won’t let go…’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 11

Now that Mettaton’s made it big, he never talks to me anymore.

…except to ask when I’m going to finish his body. But I’m afraid if I finish his body, he won’t need me anymore… Then we’ll never be friends ever again.

…not to mention, every time I try to work on it, I just get really sweaty…’

I did not need to know that… Frisk thought.

I didn’t, either… Kid replied.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 12

Nothing is happening! I don’t know what to do.

I’ll just keep injecting everything with DETERMINATION.

I want this to work…’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 13

One of the bodies opened its eyes.’

Choking sounds came from everyone there. A monster that had Fallen Down… woke up?

‘ENTRY NUMBER 14

Everyone that had fallen down… has woken up.

They’re all walking around and talking like nothing is wrong. I thought they were goners…?’

“WELL, THIS DOESN’T SEEM THAT BAD THUS FAR!” Papyrus, ever the optimist, said. “HOW BAD COULD IT HAVE GOTTEN, HOWEVER, IF WE NEVER HEARD OF THIS?”

‘ENTRY NUMBER 15

Seems like this research was a dead end… But at least we got a happy ending out of it…? I sent the SOULs back to Asgore, returned the vessel to his garden…

And I called the families and told them everyone’s alive.

I’ll send everyone back tomorrow. :)’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 16

no No NO NO NO NO NO’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 17

Monsters’ physical forms can’t handle DETERMINATION like humans’ can.

With too much DETERMINATION, our bodies begin to break down… and… and…

Everyone’s melted together…’

“Fuck!” Undyne shouted. Papyrus stared at the entry, worried for his friend, as well as the other monsters.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 18

The flower’s gone…’

Flowey. Frisk thought with finality. He’s made of DETERMINATION and a flower. That’s why he’s so cruel. He literally can’t feel anything since he lacks a SOUL.

Wait. Kid replied. Remember something! Those seeds stick to you. When a monster turns to dust, the clothing we’re wearing at the time of dying turns with us. If seeds were stuck to our clothes when we turned to dust, they’d get scattered across an area.

Asgore’s throne room! It has numerous Cream Cup flowers, scattered across the ground! And, when we got out, I had to pick numerous seeds out of the bottoms of my shoes and your feet!

And how did they get there? Asriel died in that throne room, after having brought the first human to the flowers in their hometown! Frisk! Flowey isn’t made of DETERMINATION and a flower! He’s made of DETERMINATION, dust and a flower! Asriel’s dust!

Oh, fuck… We cannot tell anyone else this!

Agreed…

‘ENTRY NUMBER 19

The families keep calling me to ask when everyone’s coming home. What am I supposed to say?

I don’t even answer the phone anymore…’

‘ENTRY NUMBER 20

Asgore left me five messages today.

Four about everyone being angry.

One about this cute teacup he found that looks like me.

Thanks, Asgore.’

Undyne gained a slightly jealous look on her face.

‘ENTRY NUMBER 21

I spend all my time at the garbage dump now.

It’s my element.’

The corridor ended, and Frisk noticed a SAVE star nearby. Quickly, they moved to it, pressing it.

*The idea of finding out the pain your friend went through so you can comfort her fills you with DETERMINATION!

*File SAVEd

Just ahead was a door with four remote locks on it. Next to it was a vending machine.

“she still has that thing?” Sans asked on spotting the vending machine. “that thing’s older than i am.”

Frisk chuckled at that, before leading the group through the west path.

They came on a room with three medical beds, with a counter in the back of the room, and three sinks directly across from the counters.

Frisk walked up to the sinks and saw something in one of them. It was too deep to reach, however.

Frisk turned the faucet on, only for a white substance to come out.

It took the shape of three curved entities, all shaped like half a yin-yang sign.

An ENCOUNTER was triggered.

* drew near!

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

ACT > Check

*Creatures made of DETERMINATION and dust. Unlike regular Amalgamates, Memoryheads lack SOULs. They are offshoots of regular Amalgamates.

*     

AT 9

DF 999

This creature is not natural. Be wary.

Dialup sounds were made, before an attack was launched. Small dots appeared, some even outside the Bullet Box, before ballooning into        faces.

…That’s the sound of an old dialup phone! Frisk thought.

[Frisk]

ACT > CELL

Frisk pulled out their cell phone, and voices could be heard through it.

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You take out your CELL PHONE. You can hear voices through the receiver…!

*You have elected to skip your turn.

“Come join the fun!” one of the       s said.

“It’s a real get together!” the next replied.

“Become one of us!”

The attack was once again the same, so Frisk and Kid did fairly well dodging them.

[Frisk]

ACT > Refuse

[Kid]

ACT > Refuse.

“No, thanks,” Frisk said.

“We don’t really have that issue with DETERMINATION,” Kid added.

*You refused to join.

*You refused to join.

The attack appeared once more.

Frisk and Kid looked at their options. Memoryhead’s name appeared, but wasn’t yellow. They SPAREd the SOULless Amalgam offshoots, just because they were both out of ideas. The ENCOUNTER ended.

Frisk picked up a red key that was in the sink, putting it on their phone’s keychain.

“What the hell was that!?” Undyne shouted, confused.

“That was a Memoryhead,” Frisk replied. “They’re SOULless offshoots of what our magic calls Amaglamates.”

“What are Amalgamates!?” Undyne shouted, still confused.

“...if i had to guess, based on the word used, the amalgamates are the creatures made of numerous monsters and determination,” Sans said.

Frisk led the group into the stairwell next to the sinks, and it had a keyhole. Frisk put the red key into it. The group all walked out of the room and headed back east.

Upon getting to the entry room, the group saw that the red remote lock’s light was on, meaning that that lock was deactivated. Frisk and Kid saved once again, before they continued east.

There was a door on the east side, which went north, that also had red lights active, suggesting that the red key unlocked it, too. They went through it and took the path east, as it was the only path. They came to a room with numerous beds in it, one of which had the covers pulled down. They ignored the beds until Frisk noticed one of them was positioned like it had something under it. Frisk moved the sheets back and found a yellow key.

Quickly, they took it and put it on their keychain. Just north was another SAVE star, which Frisk and Kid used. The group figured that Frisk and Kid were SAVing each time they touched thin air for no reason.

Frisk then led the group through the path to the east, entering a room with numerous other Cream Cup flowers, as well as numerous mirrors.

Right in between the second-to-last mirror and the last mirror, a Random Encounter alert went off for Frisk and Kid, though Sans quickly summoned a Gaster Blaster.

“frisk… kid… that’s not a Random Encounter…” Sans said, looking at the alert sign. “we wouldn’t be able to see it otherwise.”

The sign gained a smile before shifting into another form. Frisk and Kid were pulled into another ENCOUNTER.

[Frisk]

ACT > Check

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*,

AT 9

DF 9999

This relentless future finally looks brighter and brighter.

*Reaper Bird. An amalgam of DETERMINATION, dust, magic, and three SOULs. Made of a Final Froggit, Whimsalot, and Astigmatism.

An entity appeared on the right-hand side of the Bullet Box, before a bunch of butterflies swarmed its head. The figure collapsed in pain, as they devoured its head. The attack ended without even coming close to Frisk or Kid.

We need to do the Final Froggit, Whimsalot and Astigmatism SPARE actions! Kid relayed to Frisk.

Got it!

[Frisk]

ACT > Pick on

[Kid]

ACT > Mystify.

*You picked on ,. It seemed effective.

*You did something mysterious. , recognizes it has more to learn from this world.

This attack seems to be a continuation of the last, as the figure, now headless, shakily started walking to the other side of the Bullet Board, as the butterflies were flying at Frisk and Kid’s SOULs. Both managed to dodge fairly efficiently.

[Frisk]

ACT > Pray

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You kneel and pray for safety. , remembers its conscience.

*You have elected to skip your turn.

The figure was back on the right hand side of the Bullet Board, and had its head back. It then proceeded to repeatedly launch its head at the pair, regenerating it. The heads seemed to hone in on Frisk and Kid’s SOULs. Both still managed to dodge.

Moving to the ACT menu showed Reaper Bird’s actual name, so Frisk and Kid elected to SPARE the Amalgamate. The ENCOUNTER ended.

“Reaper Bird,” Frisk said, before anyone could ask. “Made of a Final Froggit, an Astigmatism and a Whimsalot.” They then led the group down another stairwell, leading to another remote lock’s keyhole. This one, however, required a blue key, so Frisk turned around and went back through the mirror hallway. Once in the bedroom, Frisk guided the group through a stairwell to the north.

The path here branched two ways. Frisk led them east.

There were a lot of fans in the room, though they were deactivated. Upon seeing numerous white particles in the air, Frisk had everyone wait by the door, except Kid.

“Why does Kid get to go with you?” Undyne challenged.

“If I’m pulled into an ENCOUNTER, Kid’ll join me in it either way. Better they’re properly prepared for it, rather than be surprised,” Frisk replied. Undyne conceded their point. Frisk and Kid walked through the room, finding a switch on the wall on the other side of the fans. Frisk flipped the switch, and the fans all turned on, removing the fog. The white particles, however, stayed. They all merged into a ball shape, before falling and shifting into a dog-esque shape. They slowly moved towards Frisk and Kid. An ENCOUNTER began.

[Frisk]

ITEM > Stick

[Kid]

ACT > Check

*You threw the stick and the dog ran to get it. You played fetch for a while.

*Amalgamate

AT 9

DF 999

It’s unclear how many dogs this counts as.

Amalgamate didn’t attack this turn.

[Frisk]

ACT > Beckon

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*You call the Amalgamate. It bounds towards you, flecking a strange liquid from an orifice.

*This dog is made of numerous dogs. Endogeny behaves just like a regular dog.

Once again, Amalgamate skipped their turn.

[Frisk]

ACT > Pet

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You pet the Amalgamate. It convulses rapidly… Then calms down. It rests quietly on your lap for a moment… Zzzzz… Suddenly, it shoots away and crawls wildly on the walls!

*You elect to skip your turn.

Yet another time, Amalgamate skipped their turn.

[Frisk]

ACT > Play

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You throw your weapon into the corner of the room. The Amalgamate brings it back to you… Proudly? You repeat this process a few times. Now Amalgamat is very tired. It leans its dripping, amorphous body on you…

*You elected to skip your turn.

Amalgamate once more skipped their turn.

[Frisk]

ACT > Pet

[Kid]

ACT > Ski

Wait! Frisk thought. If we both pet them, it may go by faster. Endogeny seems to act a lot like Greater Dog, so they’ll probably take two pets now to be done.

Alright! Kid replied.

[Kid]

ACT > Pet

*You pet the Amalgamate. It starts to generate a Stage I Happiness Froth.

*You pet decisively. The Amalgamate seems to be satisfied by all this.

Endogeny once more skipped their turn, and Frisk and Kid spared the dog Amalgamate, and the ENCOUNTER ended.

“...They’re so excited… despite their circumstances,” Frisk said. “That’s… that’s admirable.”

“...What was that one?” Toriel asked calmly.

“Endogeny,” Frisk replied. “Endogeny is made up solely of numerous dog monsters. That’s how I knew what to do. Endogeny acts just like Greater Dog.”

Frisk proceeded to lead the group back through the hall and on the other path from the bedroom, going west.

They soon came to another stairwell, which Frisk and Kid entered first.

Upon getting to the bottom, Frisk told the rest to stay upstairs.

“Battles are easier when there’s less people,” Frisk reasoned. “Kid and I get pulled in anyway, and we can deal with any enemies we face together.”

Frisk and Kid carefully walked towards the bathtub in the back of the room, where there was some sort of figure dancing behind the shower curtain. As Frisk and Kid got closer, the figure began dancing faster and faster.

Kid summoned a spear to block any attacks, while Frisk opened the curtain… only for the figure to vanish, neither Frisk nor Kid even seeing it. In the tub, there was a green key. Kid dismissed their spear as Frisk took the key and put it on their keychain.

They went back up the stairs and joined the group, Frisk gesturing for them to follow.

“so, what’d you fight down there?” Sans asked.

“Nothing,” Frisk replied. “It fled before we were forced into an ENCOUNTER.”

“Hah, it fled before we even saw more than a silhouette!” Kid added.

Frisk guided the group further west, where they found a massive room with a SAVE star… blocking the only path.

“Damn it!” Frisk exclaimed seeing the star blocking the path.

“Frisk and I can’t get through. Those things are solid for us,” Kid explained.

“UH… WE CAN SEE IT,” Papyrus said, confused, drawing concerned looks from Frisk and Kid.

“...Stay here,” Frisk said. They went towards the SAVE star, with Kid following, and touched it. No SAVE alert appeared. Instead… the SAVE star gained a face, before shifting into an Amalgamate. An ENCOUNTER triggered.

Frisk opened the ACT menu and noted two things.

Her name’s already here! And there’s no Check! Frisk thought.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Scan

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan Stats

*Lemon Bread. A fairly unique Amalgamate, she was once capable of using SAVEs, and would occasionally go out to see her sister. She then LOADed these SAVEs, because she knew that Alphys wouldn’t last long if she knew any of the Amalgamates got free, even though people would be happy that their loved ones were alive at all, even if they looked different.

As a result, Lemon Bread knows what SAVE stars look like, and, when she lost the SAVE ability, she cried, thinking she would never see her sister again.

She is composed of Shyren’s sister, Shyren’s agent’s cousin, Aaron’s brother, and a Moldbygg. Shyren’s sister, however, holds the most power of the group, despite Shyren’s agent’s cousin holding the most physical form of them.

*Lemon Bread

HP 100

AT 8

DF 9999

LV 1

Cross-RELOAD LV 1

SOULs 4

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

“Welcome to my special Hell!”

Twelve voices all sounded out at once, saying the same thing. Lemon Bread vanished, and teeth appeared in the Bullet Box. One was missing, so Frisk and Kid quickly moved towards it. The Bullet Mouth then closed. Frisk and Kid dodged. This attack happened twice more.

[Frisk]

ACT > Un-Hug

Kid, trust me. Hum. Frisk instructed.

[Kid]

ACT > Hum

*You let Lemon Bread be. Lemon Bread’s teeth shake…

*You hum a familiar tune. Lemon Bread’s body shakes…

The same attack repeated once more. Frisk and Kid still dodged it.

[Frisk]

ACT > Flex

[Kid]

ACT > Skip Turn

*You flexed your arm. Lemon Bread’s muscle shakes…

*You elected to skip your turn.

The attack was different this time, instead having numerous teeth keep Frisk and Kid trapped in one part of the Bullet Box while eyes launched projectiles at them. Dodging was significantly harder, but both still managed it.

The flavor text suggested this could be goodbye, so Frisk and Kid tried SPARing Lemon Bread, which was successful. The ENCOUNTER ended, and they got back to see Toriel, Undyne, Sans and Papyrus all gesturing for the two of them to follow the four of them.

Toriel led the group through a door Frisk had missed, which had the yellow remote lock keyhole, alongside a TV. Frisk inserted the yellow key. Meanwhile, Kid investigated the TV and found five VHS tapes, all labeled ‘#/5’.

“Yo! I’ve got something here! It could be useful!” they yelled, getting everyone’s attention. Frisk noted the order as well, and put the first tape in.

“Psssst,” Toriel’s voice came through the speaker. “Gorey, wake up.”

“Mmm? What is it, dear?” Asgore’s voice replied. “...er, and why do you have that video camera?”

“Shush! I want to get your reaction. Gorey, dearest. What is my favorite vegetable?”

“Hmmm… Carrots, right?”

“No no no! My FAVORITE vegetable is… Eda-MOM-e.” Sans burst out laughing, figuring out the pun easily, while Papyrus groaned shortly afterward. “...get it?”

“...go back to bed, dear,” Asgore groaned, as sounds of shuffling were heard.

“No no! Not yet! Heheheh. Now, if I were a dog, what breed of dog would I be?”

“Hmmm… I don’t know, honey. What kind of dog would you be?”

“I would be… a MOMERANIAN.” Asgore’s laughter could be heard now.

“You sure are excited to have this child. You know, if you keep making jokes like this… one day, you could be… a famous MOMedian.”

“...Well, I am going to bed.”

“Hey! Come on, Tori! That one was funny!” Toriel’s laughter replied.

“I know. I am just teasing you. Goodnight, dear.”

“Goodnight, honey.”

After a couple seconds of silence, Toriel said, “Oh dear, perhaps it is too dark in here for the video to come out…”

“those were some pretty good puns, old lady,” Sans complimented. Toriel, meanwhile, just had a somber look on her face. Frisk looked to Toriel for permission to put in the next tape, which Toriel gave. Frisk put in tape 2.

“Okay, Chara, are you ready?” a new voice came through, causing Toriel to gasp in shock. Do your creepy face!” After a couple of seconds, two screams could be heard. One was that of someone scaring someone, one was that of someone being scared. Both voices then laughed yet again. “Oh! Wait! I had the lens cap on…”

“...I’m not doing it again,” a second voice sounded, causing Toriel to yet again gasp in shock.

“What? Come on, quit tricking me! Haha!” The tape ended here. Once again, Frisk looked to Toriel for permission. Once again, Toriel gave this permission.

“Howdy, Chara!” the first voice sounded. “Smile for the camera!” A couple seconds of silence. “Ha! This time, I got you! I left the cap on… on purpose! Now you’re smiling for noooo reason!” Two sets of laughter could be heard, before both calmed down.

“Hey… do you remember?” the second voice, now undoubtedly Chara, asked, drawing Toriel’s attention . “When we tried to make butterscotch pie for Dad?”

“Yeah… The recipe asked for cups of butter, but we accidentally put in buttercups instead. Those flowers got him really sick. I felt so bad. We made Mom really upset… I should have laughed it off, like you did… Um, anyway, where are you going with this?”

“...Turn off the camera…”

Before Frisk could even ask, Toriel had Tape 4 in her paw and was putting it in, desperation on her face.

“I… I don’t like this idea, Chara,” the first voice sounded.

“You’re crying…” Chara replied.

“Wh… what? N-no, I’m not… big kids don’t cry.”

“...A… are you doubting the plan…?”

“No! I’d never doubt you, Chara… Never!”

“We need to free everyone… They don’t deserve to be stuck down here.”

“Y…yeah. You’re right! …I’ll go get the flowers…”

Once again, before Frisk could even ask, Toriel had the next and final tape in her paw.

“Chara… can you hear me?” Toriel said. “We want you to wake up…”

“Chara!” Asgore’s voice sounded. “You have to stay DETERMINED! You can’t give up… You are the future of humans and monsters…”

“...Psst… Chara… Please… wake up…” Asriel, as everyone besides Toriel had figured out, pleaded. “I don’t like this plan anymore. I… I… no, I said… I said I’d never doubt you. Six, right? We just have to get six… and we’ll do it together, right?”

The final tape ended. Tears flowed from Toriel’s eyes as everyone else in the room hugged her.

“I… I’m sorry, Toriel,” Frisk said. “...I… We need to show Asgore these tapes… As soon as possible…”

“...You’re right,” Toriel agreed. “No matter how much I hate it, you’re right. These are about the fates of our kids, he needs to know… I… I’ll take them with me. I’ll show him next chance I get…”

Frisk guided everyone back out of that room, walking across the short walkway that Lemon Bread had previously blocked.

They entered a room with numerous fans in the ceiling, all active. In addition, there were numerous fridges.

However, as they passed the third one, it vibrated.

“...Everyone,” Frisk said. “Get back to the entrance to this room.” Everyone but Kid listened. Frisk turned to the fridge that vibrated and put their hand on it. It deformed, taking the shape of a new monster. Another Amalgamate. An ENCOUNTER triggered.

“...That looks like…” Frisk began.

“...Snowdrake,” Kid finished.

“S…n…owy…?” the Amalgamate asked. “Y…you… know… S…n…owy…?”

“Y…yeah,” Frisk said. “He’s doing alright. He still lives in Snowdin Village.”

“Ha… he’s still there… H…how is h…e…?”

“...He’s doing fine, though he personally told me that he misses you,” Kid replied. “You’re his favorite family member.”

“Ha… If… y…ou s…ee hi…m, tell h…im I sa…id h…ello?”

“...Sure, ma’am,” Frisk said. “We can do that.”

Knowing both of her ENCOUNTER enemies were friends of her son, Snowdrake’s mother ends the ENCOUNTER, leaving a blue key for the two of them to take.

“...That… looked like…” Undyne said.

“Snowdrake’s mother,” Frisk said. “That’s who it was.”

“That’s also why the ENCOUNTER was so short comparatively,” Kid added. “We’re both on positive terms with her son.”

Frisk and Kid proceeded further into the room, before going down a staircase. The room at the bottom had the green remote lock keyhole.

~~~~~~~

Frisk had just inserted the blue key into the blue remote lock keyhole, and then guided everyone back to the entrance to the True Lab.

After SAVing quickly, Frisk led the group through the door… which opened into another elevator. The difference, however, was this one had two doors. Frisk guided everyone through the western door to the elevator.

The group proceeded onward until they found the generator. Frisk pressed the button to activate it, and immediately, the group heard some Amalgamates closing in on them.

Frisk and Kid moved in front of the group and saw it was four groups of Memoryheads.

“Hey!” Alphys yelled, running into the room. “Stop!” The Memoryheads stopped advancing towards the group just before Frisk and Kid would have been pulled into an ENCOUNTER. “I got you guys some food, okay!?” The Memoryhead groups all gained smiles before leaving the room.

“Sorry about that,” Alphys said to everyone. “They get kinda sassy when they don’t get fed on time.”

“That’s fine, Alphys,” Undyne said. “We’re just glad you’re ok.”

“Um! Anyway! The power went out, and I’ve been trying to turn it back on! But it seems like you were one step ahead of me… This was probably just a big inconvenience for you all…”

“alph, no. we came here looking for you. we’d fight asgore if it meant making sure you’re safe,” Sans said.

“...Well, I-I appreciate that you all came here to back me up! As I said, I was afraid I might… not come back… But that’s not because of these guys or anything - they’re totally harmless to me. I was just worried I would be too afraid… to tell the truth… that I might run away, or do something… something c-cowardly.” Undyne rushed forward and pulled Alphys into a hug, crying slightly.

“Don’t… don’t you ever even consider doing… doing that !” Undyne yelled.

“Uh… I…” Alphys said, blushing as she tried to comfort the warrior. She then sighed. “I… I suppose I owe you all an explanation…”

“We read the lab entries on our way here,” Kid said. “You were trying to get us free. It’s not your fault that it didn’t go right!”

“...Well, it’s time, I guess… Their families need to know… E-even if they hate me…”

“Alphy, they won’t hate you,” Undyne said. “I promise you that.” Undyne started guiding Alphys out of the generator room.

“LET’S GO, YOU TWO!” Papyrus said, Shortcutting out, Sans following while taking Toriel with him.

“...They abandoned us…” Frisk said. “They abandoned us!” Kid laughed at their dramatics, causing Frisk to laugh, too. The pair then walked through the hallway and into the elevator… only for both doors to shut the second they stepped in. Frisk’s phone rang.

“ Chara… are you there? ” a voice neither Frisk nor Kid had ever heard before came through the receiver. “ It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? But you’ve done well. Thanks to you, everything has fallen into place. Chara… see you soon… ”

The elevator then began rapidly ascending, causing Frisk and Kid to stumble abruptly. Kid nearly fell over, but Frisk caught them, holding them, as well as themself, up.

In mere seconds, the elevator stopped, and the door opened. Frisk and Kid walked out… and the elevator door was immediately forced closed and bound with vines.

“...Only one way to go,” Frisk said. They and Kid began walking back to the Barrier.

Upon getting just outside, Frisk and Kid once again SAVEd. They then walked in.

“...You’ve both returned,” Asgore said. “...Are you ready? Have you… made your preparations?”

After a brief mental communication session between Frisk and Kid, both nodded resolutely.

“We’re ready,” Frisk said.

“...Very well.” Seven SOUL canisters rose out of the ground. An ENCOUNTER began.

Chapter Text

*A strange light fills the room.

*Twilight is shining through the Barrier.

*It seems your journey is finally over.

*You are filled with DETERMINATION.

“Human…” Asgore began. “It was nice to meet you.” A pause. “Goodbye.” Suddenly, however, as Asgore got ready to pull out his trident… a fireball appeared on the side of the ENCOUNTER screen, hitting him, as Toriel made her presence known.

“What a miserable creature, torturing such a poor, innocent youth…” Toriel said, shaking her head at Asgore. “Hello, my children. At first… I thought I’d let you escape the Underground… but then, Alphys revealed a choice you’d have to make. Even with you both having shared SOULs, no group of monsters have ever been able to get out, and you each technically have one SOUL. I fear you’d have to kill Asgore. However… I realized… I cannot allow that. It is not right to sacrifice someone simply to let someone leave here. Is that not what I have been trying to prevent this whole time? So, for now, let us suspend this battle. As terrible as Asgore is… He deserves mercy, too.”

“Tori…” Asgore said, coming back on-screen. “You came back…!”

“Do not ‘Tori’ me, Dreemurr! If you really wanted to free monsters, you could have gone through the Barrier after you got one SOUL, then taken six SOULs from the humans, and come back and freed everyone peacefully! But instead, you made everyone live in despair because you would rather wait here, meekly hoping another human never comes!” She sighed softly. “Asgore… I… There’s something you need to see, at your next opportunity. For now… well, I highly doubt I’m the only one of Frisk’s friends who will want to stop this fight, so we have more guests coming quickly.”

“...Tori… You’re right. I am a miserable creature… but, do you think we can at least be friends again?”

“...I do not know, Asgore. We shall see.”

“Ngahhhhhh! Asgore! Human!” Undyne yelled, forcibly entering the ENCOUNTER. “Nobody fight each other! Everyone’s gonna make friends, or else I’ll…! I’ll… Oh, I’m too late.”

“H-hey!” Alphys yelled, also joining. “Nobody hurt each other! O..oh. You’re… already not hurting each other… that works…”

“HEY! NOBODY FIGHT ANYONE!” Papyrus yelled.

“They’re already not fighting, Pap,” Undyne said.

“hey, guys, what’s up?” Sans greeted calmly as he also joined the ENCOUNTER.

“Hey, Asgore, she said she might be willing to be friends again, so cheer up!” Undyne said. “Besides, there are plenty of fish in the sea!”

“Y-yeah, Asgore! S-sometimes you’ve just got to, uh… S-stop going after furry boss monsters and, uh… J-just get to know a really cute fish…?” Everyone stared at the awkward royal scientist as she basically confessed her feelings to Undyne. “...It’s a metaphor.”

“Well, I think it’s a good analogy,” Undyne replied.

“Oh, my god!” Mettaton cut in, his leg becoming visible. “Will you two just smooch already!? The audience is dying for some romantic action!”

Well, Alphdyne isn’t the only potential source of romance. Frisk thought flirtily, causing a blush on Kid’s face. Toriel saw this and looked judgingly at Frisk, who just smiled innocently.

“Hey, shut up!” Undyne yelled. “Man, the nerve of that guy! Right, Alphys!?” A pause. “Uh, Alphys?”

“...no. He’s right. Let’s do it!” Alphys said, finally gaining her confidence. Undyne blushed massively.

“Well??? Uh??? I guess??? If you want to??? Then???? Don’t hold anything back!” With that, the pair started trying to kiss, only for Toriel to get in between them.

“Wait, not in front of the kids!” Toriel said.

“Uh, right! S-sorry, I got a little carried away there,” Alphys apologized. Toriel chuckled.

“My child, it seems as if you must stay here for a while. But looking at all the great friends you have made… I think… I think you will be happy here.”

“H-Hey, that reminds me. Who called everyone here…?”

“I remember seeing something small vanishing into the dirt as we were on our way here,” Undyne replied. “I don’t know what it was, though.”

“Something… small?”

Vines emerged from the walls of the Barrier, grabbing the six adult monsters in the room.

“You IDIOTS!” Flowey yelled, popping out of the ground. “While you guys were having your little pow-wow… I took the human SOULs! And now, not only are THOSE under my power… But all of your friends’ SOULs are gonna be mine, too!” Flowey chuckled. “And you know what the best part is? It’s all your fault. It’s all because you made them love you. All the time you spent listening to them… encouraging them… caring about them… Without that, they wouldn’t have come here! And now, with their SOULs and the humans’ together… I will achieve my real form !” Another chuckle.

“Why are you still doing this!?” Frisk yelled.

“Don’t you get it? This is all just a story ! If you leave the Underground satisfied, the ‘story’s over! If you ‘finish’ the story, you won’t want to ‘hear’ it anymore! And what would I do then?” A demented chuckle. “But this story will never end! I’ll hold satisfaction in front of you, just within your reach… and then tear it away just before you grasp it! Over, and over, and over…” Another chuckle, this time less demented. “Listen. If you DO defeat me, I’ll give you your ‘happy ending.’ I’ll bring your friends back! I’ll destroy the Barrier! Everyone will finally be satisfied. But that won’t happen. You…! I’ll keep you here no matter what!” The Bullet Box appeared for both Frisk and Kid, though it was entirely the size of their SOULs. “EVEN IF IT MEANS KILLING YOU 1,000,000 TIMES!” Circles of friendliness pellets surrounded both SOULs, closing in and harming them, until Frisk and Kid were at 2 HP. One last circle appeared around each of them, and closed in much slower.

I… I’m sorry. I wanted to prevent you from dying ever again. Frisk thought

…It’s not your fault, Frisk. Kid replied. You can’t control Flowey.

Fireballs appeared around both SOULs, deflecting the friendliness pellets closing in.

“What!?” Flowey yelled.

“Do not… be afraid, my children,” Toriel said. “No matter what happens… we will always be there to protect you!”

*HP 3/40

Flowey sent two rows of friendliness pellets at each SOUL. One was deflected by a bone, and one by a spear.

“THAT’S RIGHT, YOU TWO! YOU CAN WIN! JUST DO WHAT I, WOULD DO… BELIEVE IN YOU!” Papyrus added.

*HP 4/40

“Hey!” Undyne said. “Human! Kid! If you got through to me , you can do anything ! So don’t worry! We’re with you all the way!”

*HP 5/40

“huh?” Sans asked. “you haven’t beaten this guy yet? come on, this weirdo’s got nothin’ on you.”

*HP 6/40

Another two attacks, another two blocks. This time, it was lightning and more fire.

“Technically, it’s impossible for you to beat him…” Alphys said, before she gained a trusting smirk on her face. “B-but… somehow, I know you two can do it!”

*HP 7/40

“Human! Kid!” Asgore began. “For the future of humans and monsters… you have to stay DETERMINED!”

*HP 8/40

Two last attacks, two last blocks. One was a DETERMINATION-red knife, one was a DETERMINATION-red spear.

“...This isn’t it, Kid!” Frisk yelled to their ally. “We can win this!”

*HP 9/40

“You’re right, dude!” Kid replied. “Our love will shine in this battle!”

*HP 10/40

Another two attacks, another two blocks. A PATIENCE-blue toy knife and a BRAVERY-orange fist.

* You’ve shown enough PATIENCE to make even me jealous. This battle will be easy for you, so long as you hold onto your PATIENCE and your DETERMINATION.

*HP 11/40

* You’ve been quite BRAVE throughout your journey. Especially in the True Lab. This battle won’t shake you, so long as you hold onto your BRAVERY and your DETERMINATION.

*HP 12/40

Two more attacks, two more blocks. An INTEGRITY-blue ballet shoe and a PERSEVERANCE-purple book.

* Your INTEGRITY is admirable, you two. Remember who you truly are, no matter what! You shall never forget who you are, so long as you hold onto your INTEGRITY and your DETERMINATION!

*HP 13/40

* You’ve PERSEVERED through so much… It’s honestly concerning. You’ll both probably need therapy after this… You cannot lose so long as you hold onto your PERSEVERANCE and your DETERMINATION!

*HP 14/40

Two final attacks, two final blocks. A KINDNESS-green frying pan and a JUSTICE-yellow bullet.

* Your KINDNESS is something to be respected, Human, Kid. You’ve shown KINDNESS even to those who wanted to kill you. You’ll be able to SAVE everyone so long as you hold onto your KINDNESS and your DETERMINATION!

*HP 15/40

* ...You’ve been dealt a grave INJUSTICE, Flowey, and for that, I apologize. But I am not able to help you. Frisk. Kid. You’ve shown that you know what true JUSTICE is. You’ll be able to SAVE even this poor flower so long as you hold onto your sense of JUSTICE and your DETERMINATION! Good luck.

*HP 16/40

More and more monsters from across the Underground ran into the Barrier, giving their support.

*HP 17/40

*HP 18/40

*HP 19/40

*HP 20/40

*HP 21/40

*HP 22/40

*HP 23/40

*HP 24/40

*HP 25/40

*HP 26/40

*HP 27/40

*HP 28/40

*HP 29/40

*HP 30/40

*HP 31/40

*HP 32/40

*HP 33/40

*HP 34/40

*HP 35/40

*HP 36/40

*HP 37/40

*HP 38/40

*HP 39/40

*HP 40/40

“Urg… No!” Flowey shouted. “Unbelievable! This can’t be happening…! You… YOU…!” A pause. “I can’t believe you’re all so stupid ! ALL OF YOUR SOULS ARE MINE!”

And so, Flowey absorbed the SOULs of every deceased human, and every monster in the Underground besides Kid.

After a brief bright light, a goat child was revealed, facing away from Frisk and Kid.

“Finally,” came the voice of Asriel Dreemurr. “I was so tired of being a flower.” He turned around and looked at Frisk and Kid. “Howdy! Chara, are you there? It’s me, your best friend…” Asriel seemed to melt, before reshaping into a godlike being. “Asriel Dreemurr!”

[Frisk]

ACT > Check

[Kid]

MAGIC > Scan

*Asriel Dreemurr

AT Infinite Squared

DF Infinite Squared

The absolute GOD of Hyperdeath. Your friends are in there somewhere…

*Through the power of eleven human SOULs, as well as every monster SOUL minus one, he has achieved true power. The SOULs contained within him are as listed:

Onyxx Fiora - PATIENCE

Caleb Oryn - BRAVERY

Reina Willis - INTEGRITY

Liana Wright - PERSEVERANCE

Coryn Craei - KINDNESS

Harry ‘Clover’ Arthur - JUSTICE

Toriel Goatswrought

Asgore Dreemurr

Undyne Seaspire

Alphys Scalewrought

Sans Gaster

Papyrus Gaster

Muffet Spinnera

Lurksablook

Angstablook

Napstablook

Hapstablook

Orion ‘Lesser Dog’ Halberd

Dogamy Cooper Kinsdron

Dogaressa Fiona Kinsdron

Glyde Whalefish

Spike ‘Greater Dog’ Halberd

Charlie ‘Doggo’ Bonehunter

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Temmie

Bob Temmie

So Sorry

Tsunderplane Aerialis

Madjick

Knight Knight

Reaper Bird

Endogeny

Lemon Bread

Crystal Fallice

Nice Cream Guy

Faun Holiday

Aaron Searider

Shyren Fishbowl

Agent Nora Aquaria

Vulkin Lavaspout

Pyrope Burnes

River Person

Burgerpants

Gerson

Bratty Alliga

Catty Nyara

Countless spiders…

Snowdrake Fallice

Chilldrake Fallice

Ice Cap

Jerry Unifo

Gyftrot Atnas

Woshua Cleanbird

Countless Moldsmall

Countless Moldbygg

Countless Moldessa

Kyle ‘RG 01’ Richards

Morgan ‘RG 02’ Reef

Countless Froggit

Countless Whimsun

Vegetoid Plantwrought

Parsnik Plantwrought

Migosp Roacha

Migospel Roacha

Loox Eyefound

Astigmatism Eyefound

Countless Mice

Rani Rabbiton

Fiora Rabbiton

Ryan Rabbiton

Ora Rabbiton

Cinnamon Rabbiton

Freddy Gyftmas

Oryn Gyftmas

…You know what, screw it. Pretty much every monster in the Underground

Michael Aeron - PERSEVERANCE

Aaron Aeron - KINDNESS

Tina O’Malley - KINDNESS

Thomas Smith - JUSTICE

Hannah O’Brian - PATIENCE

Orion Forrester - BRAVERY

Erik Forrester - INTEGRITY

Fuck! Kid thought, causing Frisk to look over at their Scan’s results and see all the SOULs listed.

…They’re all here, too! Frisk replied. One of them remembered… maybe more…

“You know… I don’t care about destroying this world anymore.”

Numerous fireballs come after Frisk and Kid, with both managing to dodge fairly well.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Dream

*You held on to your hopes… DF raised by ten for you and your ally this turn!

*You think about why you’re here now…

You can feel the empty space in your inventory get smaller and smaller, as can your ally!

“After I defeat you and gain total control over the timeline… I just want to RESET everything,” Asriel said. He launched yet another fireball attack… though it ended prematurely, as the beat dropped in the Battle Music.

Focus on Hoping! Frisk thought. Dreams are nice, but less damage is always more useful!

Right! Kid replied.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Hope

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

“All your progress… Everyone’s memories. I’ll bring them all back to zero!” Asriel said, launching numerous bolts of lightning at Frisk and Kid.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Hope

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

“Then we can do everything all over again,” Asriel continued, summoning a pair of swords. He then proceeded to attack the Bullet Box in a pattern, with both Frisk and Kid dodging successfully.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Hope

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

“And you know what the best part of all this is?” Asriel asked. “You’ll do it!” Once more, lightning blasts were sent at Frisk and Kid, though it was the same pattern.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Hope

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

“And then, you’ll lose to me again,” Asriel boasted, launching numerous stars at Frisk and Kid, which exploded shortly after they entered Frisk and Kid’s vision, becoming numerous smaller stars and flying in all directions.

[Frisk]

ACT > Hope

[Kid]

ACT > Hope

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

*You kept holding on. DF raised by ten!

“And again.” Asriel summoned a rainbow-colored blaster, shooting it repeatedly at Frisk and Kid, both of whom kept dodging. He then launched a massive version of the blast.

This isn’t working! Frisk thought.

But… how can we win, then? Kid replied.

…SAVE. We need to SAVE!

*New ACT option unlocked!

[Frisk]

ACT > SAVE file

[Kid]

ACT > SAVE file.

*You both try to reach your SAVE file, but are unable to find it.

*Seems SAVing the game really is impossible.

*…But… Maybe, with what little power you have…

*You can SAVE something else!

The red part of both Frisk and Kid’s SOULs glowed briefly, before overwhelming the ACT button.

*Asriel Dreemurr, God of Hyperdeath was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Onyxx Fiora

[Kid]

SAVE > Caleb Oryn

*You reached out to Asriel’s SOUL and called out to your friends. They’re in there somewhere, after all… Within the depths of Asriel’s SOUL, something’s resonating!

*Within the depths of Asriel’s SOUL, something’s resonating!

Frisk appeared before a young female-bodied kid with a toy knife in hand and a ribbon in their hair, while Kid appeared before a young male-bodied kid with boxing gloves on and a headband keeping their hair out of their eyes.

For the six SOULs, choose the option most suited to each of them! Frisk instructed.

Got it! Kid replied.

[Frisk]

ACT > Wait

[Kid]

ACT > Challenge

*You wait PATIENTLY for Onyxx to make their move.

*You BRAVELY challenge Caleb to a fight.

Onyxx threw their knife at Frisk, and Frisk waited to dodge… till just the right moment. Onyxx’s face cleared up, and they smiled at Frisk.

*You have absorbed Onyxx’s SOUL.

Caleb, meanwhile, accepted the challenge with a nod, throwing numerous punches at the Bullet Box. Kid dodged successfully, not once getting hit. Caleb’s face cleared up, and they smiled at Kid.

*You have absorbed Caleb’s SOUL.

Frisk and Kid were both thrust out of Asriel’s SOUL, facing down the God of Hyperdeath once more. Frisk grew in height, and gained a second pair of arms, thanks to the additional power of two more SOULs. Kid, meanwhile, gained more spikes on their tail, and grew a pair of arms.

“What!?” Asriel yelled, throwing numerous attacks at Frisk and Kid simultaneously. Star Blazing flew through the air, launching stars at them, as Shocker Breaker struck the board. In addition, Asriel had summoned his Chaos Buster and fired it at Frisk and Kid. Due to the mass attack, both Frisk and Kid got hit a couple of times.

*HP 125/130

*HP 120/130

*HP 115/130

*HP 110/130

Hah! We can do this! Frisk thought.

…Yeah… Yeah! We can! Kid replied.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Reina Willis

[Kid]

SAVE > Liana Wright

*Within the depths of Asriel’s SOUL, something’s resonating!

*Within the depths of Asriel’s SOUL, something’s resonating!

Frisk appeared before a female-bodied kid in a tutu and ballet flats. Reina glared down their nose at Frisk.

[Frisk]

ACT > Call Out

*You call Reina out for not staying true to themself.

Reina glared harder and began trying to stomp on Frisk’s SOUL, though Frisk dodges successfully. Once the attack ended, Reina’s face cleared up and softened, and they looked to the side. After a few seconds, they smiled at Frisk.

*You have absorbed Reina’s SOUL.

Kid appeared before a female-bodied kid wearing round glasses and holding a notebook. They meekly cowered at the sight of Kid.

[Kid]

ACT > Comfort

*You try to comfort Liana.

Liana looked at Kid in doubt and swung their book at them, forcing Kid to dodge. However, when Kid maintained their soft smile, Liana’s face cleared up, and they smiled at Kid.

*You have absorbed Liana’s SOUL.

Frisk and Kid were once more thrust out of Asriel’s SOUL, and both had some more changes. Frisk’s eyes now glowed the color of the rainbow, and their hair was longer, now capable of waving in the wind. In addition, Frisk grew a tail matching Kid’s.

Meanwhile, Kid had gained a second set of arms, much like Frisk, and all their spines grew longer. Light reflected off of them smoothly. Their eyes also glowed the color of the rainbow.

Asriel used an upgraded version of the last attack. Instead of Star Blazing, he sent in Galacta Blazing. Instead of the regular Shocker Breaker, he sent in Shocker Breaker II. Instead of the Chaos Buster, he sent in the Chaos Blaster. He was getting desperate. Both attacks hit quite a few times.

*HP 997/1000

*HP 994/1000

*HP 991/1000

*HP 988/1000

[Frisk]

SAVE > Coryn Craei

[Kid]

SAVE > Harry ‘Clover’ Arthur

Frisk appeared before a male-bodied kid in an apron with a frying pan in their hand. The kid looked concerned.

[Frisk]

ACT > Help

*You asked Coryn for help.

Coryn sent their frying pan at Frisk, with it constantly switching between green and white. Frisk knew they had to touch it when it was green, and dodge it when it was white.

Soon, the frying pan was called back to Coryn, whose face cleared up, and they smiled at Frisk.

*You have absorbed Coryn’s SOUL.

Kid appeared before a male-bodied kid wearing a cowboy hat and wielding a revolver.

[Kid]

ACT > Be Judged

*You asked Harry to judge you for your sins.

“Yellow attacks will only hurt you if you have even the slightest bit of LOVE that you could have easily avoided getting,” Clover instructed, glaring judgingly at Kid. They then pulled out their revolver, aimed, and shot, hitting Kid directly with a yellow bullet. Kid was unharmed by the bullet. Clover’s face cleared up, and they smiled at Kid.

*You have absorbed Harry’s SOUL.

Once again, Frisk and Kid appeared back in Eternity. Both grew to be equal in height to Asriel, and both grew more powerful. Both gained triple the arms they had previously, Frisk gained spines growing from their back, tail and head, Kid gained hair growing from their head, and Frisk’s lower face elongated into a snout.

Asriel, meanwhile, softly chuckled.

“So you’ve taken six SOULs from me!” he said. “I still have the seven from the people out there, plus all the monster SOULs! You won’t beat me!” The Bullet Box expanded to contain the entire screen, and a large skull appeared. Frisk and Kid looked at the Hyper Goner in shock.

He’s… he’s trying to erase the world! Frisk yelled.

We’ve gotta stop him! Kid replied.

…Each of us have an additional advantage! Onyxx’s voice cut in. Harry’s SOUL can shoot bullets during his opponent’s turn! Use it to your advantage! Strike the weapon!

Frisk and Kid shifted their SOULs into Yellow Mode and began firing at the Hyper Goner, which appeared to gain a shocked look on its face… before it chuckled, and began absorbing everything.

Fuck! Frisk thought.

Back to Red Mode! We’ll need to focus on dodging! Kid instructed, both Frisk and Kid shifting back to Red and dodging the attack.

Once it ended, Asriel was revealed.

“...even after that attack, you’re still standing in my way…?” Asriel asked in shock. “Wow… You two really are something special. But don’t get cocky. You may have drained some of my power, but I’ve still only been using a fraction of it, even for that attack! Let’s see what good your DETERMINATION is against this !” Asriel then melted yet again, before reforming into yet another form. “Urah ha ha ha… Behold, my true power!” Asriel said, launching numerous rainbow comets at Frisk and Kid. Both failed to dodge all of them.

*HP 999999/1000000

*HP 999998/1000000

*HP 999997/1000000

*HP 999996/1000000

…We need to focus on pulling the last seven humans SOULs out of him, first! Frisk thought. Kid nodded next to them.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Michael Aeron

[Kid]

SAVE > Aaron Aeron.

Frisk appeared before Michael, who was looking around, confused, even as his face was blurred slightly and he glared at Frisk.

[Frisk]

ACT > RESETS

*You told Michael of the RESETs. He looks like they sound familiar.

“Whatever you are… I won’t let you hurt my son!” Michael yelled protectively.

By the looks of it, Michael’s weapon of choice was a pen, as numerous pens flew across the Bullet Box, with Frisk dodging all of them.

Upon Frisk dodging the last attack, Michael’s face cleared up, and he smiled at Frisk.

“Frisk… You look different. Take my power… use it wisely!” Michael said.

*You have absorbed Michael’s SOUL.

Meanwhile, Kid appeared in front of Aaron. He looked on in concern for Kid.

[Kid]

ACT > Hobbies

*You told Aaron your hobbies and asked him what his were. He looks like he knew this, however.

“...Please… be careful…”

Aaron’s weapon of choice was bandage rolls. It made sense to Kid; Aaron had revealed that his goal in life was to be a doctor, so he could help people. Kid dodged the attack successfully, and, when the attack ended, Aaron’s face cleared up, and he smiled at Kid.

“...Only Hannah remembered, but the rest of us may remember after this! If not… It’ll be nice to meet you and Frisk again, Kid! Here, take my SOUL. I trust you’ll use it properly.”

*You have absorbed Aaron’s SOUL.

…That should be enough! Frisk thought.

Alright! Let’s focus on Asriel, now! Kid replied.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“Huh?” Asriel called out in shock. “What are you doing…!?” Memories flashed visibly in Asriel’s eyes.

*Asriel Dreemurr was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“Wh… what did you do…?” Asriel asked, confused. “What’s this feeling…? What’s happening to me? No! NO! I don’t need anyone !” Asriel then launched the same rainbow projectiles from his fingers straight at Frisk and Kid, both dodging the attacks.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“ Stop it !” Asriel yelled. “Get away from me! Do you hear me!? I’ll tear you apart!” Once more, Asriel sent more of the projectiles, but they came much slower, to the point that Frisk and Kid barely had to try to dodge the attacks.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

*Kid’s turn was skipped by force.

“Oh, what the hell!?” Kid complained.

“... Chara… Do you know why I’m doing this…? Why I keep fighting to keep you around?” Fireballs fell in Frisk’s Bullet Box, but no attack came for Kid. Well, technically, no attack came for Frisk, either - the fireballs all stayed away from Frisk’s SOUL.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“I’m doing this because you’re special, Chara… You’re the only one that understands me… You’re the only one who’s any fun to play with anymore…” Once more, fireballs came in Frisk’s Bullet Box, but stayed far away from their SOUL.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“...No… That’s not just it. I… I… I’m doing this because I care about you, Chara! I care about you more than anybody else!” Yet more fireballs fell, yet again, all of them intentionally missing Frisk’s SOUL.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

“I’m not ready for this to end. I’m not ready for you to leave. I’m not ready to say goodbye to someone like you again…” Once more, the same ‘attack.’

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

*Kid has forced their way back into this battle.

[Kid]

SAVE > Chara Dreemurr, Prinx of Monsters.

Asriel made a questioning noise at that, looking over at Kid… only to see them looking away from Frisk. Their gaze was on a specter near Asriel, faintly outlined in red.

Chapter Text

Frisk and Asriel stared in awe at the specter that had joined their group at Kid’s SAVE attempt.

*Asriel Dreemurr, Angel of Death, was distracted. Asriel Dreemurr, Angel of Death’s turn skipped.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Chara Dreemurr, Prinx of Monsters

“...Chara?” Asriel asked, looking at the specter. “I… How are you doing this…? How are you in two places at once…?”

“Azzy,” the entity revealed to be Chara greeted. “I… I can see the resemblance between me and the Eighth Human, but they’re not me.”

Asriel looked closer at Frisk, who shifted back into their base form, and saw that, indeed, this was not Chara. At Asriel’s nod, Frisk shifted back into the God of Merciful Fate.

*Asriel Dreemurr was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Chara Dreemurr, Prinx of Monsters

“...I’m so sorry, Chara,” Asriel said, flying down towards Chara. “I… You were right.”

“No, I wasn’t, Azzy,” Chara replied. “I… I thought all humans were evil, because I only had bad experiences with them. But… I’ve been following Frisk on their journey, including through the timelines.”

~~~~~~~

Flashback to Chapter One: Fallen - A Third Time

“Frisk jumped after a monster they barely knew, just to save them from death,” Chara narrated.

Frisk could only look on in horror. Their companion for the majority of Waterfall - a cute young monster named Monster Kid - tripped over a loose board on the bridge they were on, and Undyne was on the other side. Despite this, however, they quickly moved forward, going to help the young monster up.

Only for Monster Kid to fall before they can get there.

“No!” Frisk and Undyne yell simultaneously. Frisk spares a glance at the armored woman.

“Call someone!” Frisk yelled, Undyne quickly pulling out her phone to comply.

“Don’t move, Human,” Undyne said in turn.

“Not a chance, Ma’am!” Frisk yelled, turning and walking away slightly.

“Are you really gonna leave when we just saw a kid fall to potentially his-” Undyne didn’t get to finish admonishing the young Human, as they quickly turned around and dove after Monster Kid, falling faster due to their higher physical mass.

~~~~~~~

Flashback to Chapter 5: The Mountain King

“They used their magic - that they shared with their companion - to converse with the human SOULs, so they could try to break the Barrier, only for the SOULs to say it wasn’t yet time,” Chara continued.

[Frisk]

MAGIC > Call Out

[Kid]

FIGHT > Asgore Dreemurr > High Damage

* The time is not yet right to strike…

* The Barrier cannot be broken until everyone is SAVEd.

* Their hearts are not all in it.

* The task would not be able to be completed.

* To shatter the Barrier now would do a disservice to Humans and Monsters…

* And that cannot be allowed to happen.

*New ACT target unlocked.

*Asgore Dreemurr was shocked by this turn of events.

*Asgore Dreemurr HP 3320/3500

*Asgore Dreemurr’s turn skipped.

Frisk? Kid thought, confused.

[Frisk]

ACT > Human SOULs > Plead

*You plead with the SOULs to help you with this fight, even if the Barrier can’t be broken yet.

* It is not yet time for us to interfere in your story, DETERMINED ones. You must be PATIENT.

* Please be BRAVE when the time does come. We cannot help you otherwise.

* Your INTEGRITY shall guide you to win this fight through your own means.

* You just need to PERSEVERE against all odds. Trust me. Trust us.

* Your KINDNESS knows no bounds. We know you’ll do the right thing.

* Only through you two can JUSTICE prevail. You will not fail.

“In addition, the other six SOULs showed their true nature here, as well as in the next example,” Chara said.

~~~~~~~

Flashback to Chapter Six: Corrupted SAVE

“Then, both groups showed their heart when you became that construct!” Chara said excitedly.

* You failed to show PATIENCE with anyone, being immensely IMPATIENT.

* Only a COWARD hides behind such immense power against children. You lack BRAVERY.

* You never stayed true to yourself. You performed many different paths, all varying, all with varying outcomes. You’ve killed just as many times as you’ve SAVEd people. You lack INTEGRITY.

* You couldn’t even PERSEVERE long enough for there to be consequences for your actions. Hmph.

* Your only attempts to show KINDNESS were to manipulate people, which isn’t even true KINDNESS. You have violated my SOUL.

* You need to be shown JUSTICE for your crimes, you sick flower.

“NO!” Flowey yelled. “NO! YOU CAN’T DO THAT! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO OBEY ME! STOP! STOP IT! STOOOOPPPP!” The SOULs drained Flowey’s power, before vanishing.

~~~~~~~

Flashbacks over

“Don’t you get it, Azzy?” Chara said. “I was wrong ! I was so wrong ! The humans we met were… were horrible… but… even after Frisk and Kid escaped, they met humans that proved us wrong! Some of their SOULs are still with you… you know I’m right.”

*Asriel was distracted. Turn skipped.

[Frisk]

SAVE > Asriel Dreemurr, Prince of Monsters

[Kid]

SAVE > Chara Dreemurr, Prinx of Monsters

“Chara… when I give up these SOULs, I won’t be able to maintain my real form for long… I… I don’t want to be a flower again…” Asriel confessed.

“...You won’t be, Azzy. You’re a Boss Monster. A human SOUL could absorb a Boss Monster SOUL, just as a monster SOUL could absorb a human SOUL.”

“...Chara, where are you going with this…?” Kid asked, cutting in. The ENCOUNTER ended, with Frisk Dreemurr, the God of Merciful Fates, Kid Raptora, the God of Absolute Mercy, Asriel Dreemurr, the God of Hyperdeath, and Chara Dreemurr, Prinx of Monsters, all appearing in Eternity.

“...Release the SOULs, Azzy. I need to know you won’t abuse this,” Chara said. Nodding, Asriel released every SOUL he’d absorbed, becoming a much smaller goat. Every SOUL returned to their body. Frisk and Kid released their SOULs that still had bodies, as well. They were now left with the six fallen humans, as well as their own. Really, they just lost two SOULs. Chara nodded in turn… before shifting into a heart shape. They gently split, not cracking. An additional SOUL appeared between the two halves of Chara’s SOUL. A monster SOUL.

“Is that…?” Asriel asked in hope.

“...Your SOUL,” Chara confirmed, their own SOUL piecing back together. Asriel’s, meanwhile, darted into his body, fusing with him once again. “Monsters may still be trapped underground… but their hope should return,” Chara said. “After all, their Prince is back.”

“Actually, there’s a reason we haven’t released the six fallen humans’ SOULs,” Frisk said. Chara turned to look at them and Kid. “We’ll return Reality back to… well, reality. Then… well, all four of us will appear in the Ruins, at the area both of us first fell. As… as thanks, I’ll give you a gift, too, Chara.”

“...You don’t need to do any of this, Frisk,” Chara said. “I don’t deserve it.”

“You were a child screwed over by your own people. So desperate were you to feel love that you fell into the arms of the first people to show it to you, even if they weren’t your people. You then tried to show your best friend how bad your people were, only for it to backfire horribly. You are far from at fault there.” Chara gained a slight blush at Frisk’s words. “Now, let me do this. Kid and I need to focus.”

Frisk linked hands with Kid, and both began chanting. Asriel and Chara had to shield their eyes as light came from both of them.

Soon, however, they appeared in the front part of the Ruins. Frisk smiled at old memories before opening a portal to Asgore’s Castle.

“Wait, if you could do that, why didn’t we just reappear in the castle?” Chara asked, frustrated.

“The castle is too magically charged. If we’d just returned to reality there, the entire Underground and everything surrounding it would be blown up from the discharge. Meanwhile, this part of the Ruins is the least magically charged part of the entire Underground. From here, a portal is perfectly fine,” Frisk explained. Chara just sighed… before realizing they had lungs.

“What the hell?” Chara asked, confused.

“Your gift,” Kid explained. “You’re human again. We’ve offered it to the fallen six, too, but all of them declined.”

“...Ah.”

Frisk, Kid, Asriel and Chara all walked through the portal, with Frisk and Kid then guiding the revived pair through the castle into Asgore’s throne room.

“Stay here,” Frisk said. “When you hear the signal, come into the next room.”

The God of Absolute Mercy and the God of Merciful Fates walked into the next room, drawing gasps from the Boss Monsters gathered in said room.

“...How do you two have the human SOULs?” Asgore asked, confused, yet relieved.

“We had a bit of an… ENCOUNTER with an old friend,” Frisk said. “He absorbed the SOULs of not only the six humans, but every monster in the Underground.”

“Who did this? They’d have betrayed the throne to absorb my SOUL!”

“Heh… about that,” Kid cut in. “He… didn’t exactly have his own SOUL at the time. We’ve found his SOUL, though, as well as that of another old friend, who helped us defeat him.”

Asriel and Chara, knowing that was the signal, walked into the antechamber, drawing gasps from Toriel and Asgore.

“H…Hey, Mom, Dad,” Asriel said. “...Sorry for absorbing your SOULs…” Asgore and Toriel just hugged Asriel and Chara, pulling them close.

“While you four reunite, we’ll be in the Barrier,” Frisk said, as they and Kid floated into the Barrier.

“...What do they want in the Barrier?” Asgore asked his kids.

“...It’s time,” Asriel replied. “It’s time for monsters…”

“...to finally go free,” Chara finished. Gasps came from everyone else in the room.

Suddenly, a massive bang could be heard, and numerous gasps could be heard from outside. Toriel and Asgore ran towards the Barrier… only to not see it. No, they saw a pair of gods, floating above seven humans, three of whom were hugging the two gods.

Frisk and Kid reverted to their normal forms, yet didn’t release the SOULs.

“Aren’t you gonna release those SOULs?” Undyne asked, seeing them transform without releasing the SOULs.

“They asked us to keep them with us,” Frisk replied. “They’re worried that us breaking the Barrier will do some negative things.”

“Honestly, I’m inclined to agree with the six humans,” Michael said to Frisk. He then turned to the group of boss monsters and Chara and bowed. “Michael Aeron. I heard that at least four of you are royalty, so a bow feels appropriate.”

“You do not need to bow to me, Mr. Aeron,” Asgore said.

“Nor do you need to bow to me,” Toriel agreed. Asriel and Chara shook their heads, agreeing with their parents.

Chapter Text

Frisk sat with Kid in the living room of their house. It was a different one then their last one, solely because their last one was a one-bedroom house, and they now lived with their family, so they needed more rooms. Toriel was with them, as well, working with Frisk and Michael, who had moved with his son to still live next to them all, working on the paperwork to get Frisk, Kid, Chara and Asriel signed up for school

Sans was resting in his room in the house, seemingly waiting for something, but also with a hopeful look on his face.

Asriel and Chara were being looked over by Alphys to see if there were any ill effects from both of them being dead for a century. However, neither of them seemed to be in bad shape.

Undyne was out job hunting, looking to be able to help people when needed.

Asgore, meanwhile, was meeting with the mayor of Ebbot, the city named for the mountain the monsters were trapped under. This was to try and ensure that the transfer of monsters living in the city would be as smooth as possible.

Papyrus was with Undyne job-hunting, as he preferred doing something with his time and a job was a good choice for that.

Mettaton, meanwhile, had set up a YouTube account to start boosting his fame. For the most part, he made live-action videos, usually starring him, for the various different genres.

His first video, as one would expect from the eccentric ghost-possessed android, was a dramatic romance story.

His fame, as one would expect from the eccentric ghost-possessed android, shot up quickly.

With various new changed, Frisk and Kid both knew that things would probably have their bad sides. Humans as a species didn’t deal with abrupt change all that well. Gradual change, sure, but something as abrupt as monsters emerging from underground when they were previously thought to not exist? Yeah, there was a reason the fallen humans had elected to stay in SOUL form with Frisk and Kid.

But, no matter what, Frisk and Kid would face it the same way they’d faced everything since their SOULs united.

Together.