Chapter Text
Deltarune Chapters 5: A Gentle, Idealized Ending in My Imagination
Kris jumped down from the second floor of the house.
Kris got hurt.
Susie saw Kris.
Susie: "Kris! What the hell, are you stupid?! This isn't the Dark World! You'll get hurt jumping from the second floor!"
Susie carried Kris back to his house and saw Sans still dancing with Toriel.
Susie: "Toriel, Kris is hurt!"
Toriel didn't hear her. Sans heard, but he chose to pretend he didn't.
Susie started getting pissed off.
"You bastard!"
She shouted and charged over.
"Didn't you hear Kris is hurt?! You come to someone else's house in the middle of the night to dance, keeping him awake—aren't you ashamed of yourself?!"
Sans: "You don't seem to be a member of this family either, ma'am."
Susie rushed straight at him, ready to teach Sans a lesson, but Toriel stopped her.
"No... child, don't fight. Okay? I know you're a good kid."
"I really drank too much today. I'm sorry. Let's take Kris to the hospital first."
Seeing this, Susie didn't say anything more.
Toriel: "Oh my goodness, the hospital is closed. What are we going to do?"
Sans: "Looks like going home is one of the few correct options."
Susie: "If you play that goddamn music again, I'll kill you."
They went back home.
The radio, taking the hint, lost power.
But there were no bandaging supplies at home. Toriel could only watch Kris bleed. She was frantic, crying in front of Kris, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry..."
What would you choose?
A: It's okay, Mom. | B: It hurts so much...
Choose A:
She seemed to cry even harder...
Choose B:
Susie stripped off her clothes directly, trying to bandage him with them.
Suddenly, a roll of bandaging supplies was handed over.
(Choose A) Sans: "Don't mention it."
(Choose B) Sans: "Don't mention it. Ma'am, being naked in public isn't a good look."
Toriel bandaged Kris.
Everyone fell asleep.

The next day.
Kris was taken to the hospital.
Doctor: "Great news, his bones are fine. He just needs some rest at home—no need to be hospitalized."
On the way back.
Toriel: "Kris, I'm so glad you're okay... but why did you jump from the second floor?"
Sans: "Probably playing some kind of extreme sport, kid?"
Toriel: "Mr. Sans, I haven't settled yesterday's account with you yet."
Sans: "Oh, my apologies."
They arrived at the shop.
Toriel: "Oh, I need to buy some food at Mr. Sans's shop to help Kris recover. Susie, could you please take Kris home?"
Susie: "Um... sure."
On the way home.
Susie: "Glad you're okay, you jerk. Don't do something that dangerous again."
They walked for a long time, but neither said a word.
...
Susie: "Hey, Kris... you know that day... what was written on that prophecy?"
She stopped walking.
...
In the end, the Fountains spring from One, One becomes Two, Two becomes Four... infinite in number, bringing suffering to all living beings.
Only by sealing all the Fountains and surrendering the lives of all Darkners.
Only this way can the world continue.
...
Susie: "So... if that's what the prophecy says, why would Ralsei still help us? When in the end, he's the one who dies?"
...
"You don't have to answer. I know. Because he's an idiot! Believing in a prophecy like that—that's why he's stupid enough to walk to his own death!"
...
Susie: "You know what..."
"The things that piss me off the most are, one, people who deliberately don't speak clearly, and two... people who ask the same person the same question multiple times."
"But... I really want to ask you one more time..."
"We're not going to let that happen, right?"
Kris nodded.
"Good."

You arrived home.
Toriel and Sans were home too.
Toriel: "Child, get some rest first, okay? I'll go make you some snail soup."
Sans walked up to Susie.
"Come with me, please, ma'am."
Susie reluctantly followed.
They went to a quiet room.
Sans: "I apologize for my behavior earlier, ma'am."
Susie: "Ha... it's nothing. Kris is fine anyway."
Susie's inner thoughts: Why did he have to call me over alone just to apologize...
Sans: "Actually... Kris's mom insisted on going to practice that day. I was the one who stopped her. You know what would've happened if I hadn't, right, kid?"
Susie: "...What? Of course I know. The Knight would've met Toriel, and the consequences would've been disastrous... So... you saved Toriel?"
Sans: "Don't say that. I hate meddling in other people's business."
Susie: "Uh... okay. But how did you know?"
Sans: "Remember? Kris always asks me about my brother..."
"Mr. Sans! Your delivery is here!"
Sans: "Oh, looks like I have to go."
Susie: "Wait, can you finish what you were saying? You always leave things half-finished—I'm literally going to end up in jail!"
Sans: "Anyway, only one sentence matters."
Sans: "Take care of your team. Because someone really cares about you all."
Sans left.
Susie wanted to go ask Kris about Sans's brother, but he was asleep.
Susie: "You've got some nerve, falling asleep at a time like this."
Knock knock knock.
Someone was at the door.
Toriel opened it.
...
The fluffy, cute big boy shines in your heart.
Asriel: "Mommy!"
He hugged Toriel as soon as he came in.
Toriel stroked his fluffy head.
"Haha, you're already this big and still acting spoiled with your mom..."
"Being so clingy must run in the family~"
Susie's inner thoughts: Wow... he looks exactly like Ralsei... even the goofy way he acts is just like him...
Asriel noticed Susie.
Asriel: "Oh, sorry, ma'am. Who might you be?"
Toriel: "This is Kris's friend. Her name is Susie."
Asriel: "Oh, hi, Susie! Nice to meet you! Kris hasn't been giving you too much trouble, has he? Haha!"
Susie: "H-hi... It's nothing. I'm glad to know Kris."
Asriel: "Oh, that's rare. He was someone even Noelle thought was a bit odd, and I think she's super nice! I'm really happy he made a friend like you!"
Susie: "Haha, thank you."
Inner thoughts: So that means I'm odd too, huh...
Asriel: "Oh, right, Mom—isn't there a festival today?"
Toriel: "Oh, the church broke down for some reason, so today's festival is canceled. By the way, don't you want to go see Kris?"
Asriel: "Oh yeah!"
Susie: "Wait, Kris is aslee—"
Before she could finish, Asriel went upstairs.
Susie went up too.
She found Kris awake.
"Hey! Kris, I've missed you so much, bro!"
He hugged Kris tight as soon as he entered.
"Oh, what happened to you?"
Susie: "He got a little hurt. But it's nothing serious."
Inner thoughts: You were pretending to be asleep earlier—I patted you and you didn't react at all...
Asriel: "Oh, oh, sorry—did I hug too tight...? You take your time recovering."
Asriel started setting down his bag.
(If you didn't take the money from his drawer before)
Asriel: "Oh, brothers should keep accounts clear, right? Honestly, it's just your allowance—take it!"
(If you did take it)
Asriel: "Oh, looks like a certain mischievous little hand took his big bro's five bucks, huh? Did you go buy something tasty?"
(If you ate with Susie)
Susie: "Actually... he used that money to treat me to a meal. Is that yours?"
Asriel: "Oh, don't even worry about it. Kris, that was the best five bucks you've ever spent! Make sure to share and hang out with your friends more in the future!"
(If you didn't spend the five bucks)
Asriel: "Haha! Are you saving up to buy something better?"
Toriel came in.
"Should we... eat something first?"
Asriel: "Oh, now that you mention it, I'm starving."
Everyone filed out one by one.
At the dinner table.
Asriel: "Oh, Mom, after all these years you're still obsessed with snails? Haha."
Toriel: "Yes, I still have that book 72 Wonderful Uses for Snails."
Susie: "Hey, Kris, it's honestly amazing that you're still this skinny under Toriel's care... you're nothing like your dad at all..."
Asriel: "Yeah! I've always wondered about that too! Dad is just—"
Before he could finish, Toriel shot him a glare.
Asriel: "Ha... nothing. Kris, eat up!"
Susie's inner thoughts: Why do his parents act like enemies...
Lunch was over, and Asriel was washing the dishes.
Susie walked over.
Susie: "Hey... Asriel...?"
Asriel: "Oh, hi! Susie! What's up?"
Susie: "Do you... usually do housework yourself when you're home?"
Asriel: "Ah, haha! Since I'm at school most of the time, I feel bad letting Mom do everything!"
Susie: "Oh... I see..."
The atmosphere gradually went cold...
Asriel: "Do you... have any other questions? Ask away! Honestly, I think Mom and Dad are a great couple! But they're separated for some... reasons."
Susie: "Oh, sorry, that's not what I meant. Actually... I just wanted to ask you about... Sans's brother."
Asriel: "Sans? Who's that? I don't think I know him."
Susie: "He's a skeleton monster. His brother should be a skeleton too?"
Asriel: "Brother... skeleton..."
Asriel suddenly froze, his expression darkening.
Asriel: "I'm sorry... I'm really sorry... If you're talking about 'him,' I really can't tell you... Kris told me not to tell anyone."
Susie: "Ah, it's okay, it's okay."
Inner thoughts: Why does he look so devastated...
Asriel: "Oh, let's go see Asgore, shall we? Kris! Stop playing! Mom, we're heading out!"

They went out. Asriel seemed to be in a hurry.
In front of Asgore's flower shop.
Asriel's phone rang dramatically.
Asriel: "Hello! What? Oh, it's you..."
Asriel: "Group project? Come on! I already finished my part ages ago! What, they can't do it without me? Ugh, fine. Wait for me."
Asriel: "Sorry about that. My procrastinating classmate got stuck on their group project. How about... you guys go in first! I'll be right there! A good partner is really important for group projects... Kris, don't end up with a partner like mine..."
Susie's inner thoughts: Looks like this group project is unavoidable. Damn.
Susie and Kris walked into Asgore's flower shop.
There was a dark presence behind the door again.
Susie: "Is this... another Fountain?"
Next to it was Asgore's wool.
Susie: "Quick! Kris! Asgore might be in danger!"
They walked into this Dark World.
...
What came into view wasn't the usual darkness, but a blue sky and white clouds... vibrant flowers swaying freely...
Susie: "Oh my god... This... is this still the Dark World I imagined?"
"Susie! Kris!"
Ralsei ran toward them, his smile sweet, looking like a smaller version of Asriel.
He ran over and hugged them both, but this time he held on tightly, unwilling to let go.
"You didn't come find me at the Dark Fountain—I thought something happened to you..."
Susie: "Holy crap! I forgot! Kris was hurt in the Light World! We've been busy treating his wounds. Then Kris's brother came home, and after dinner he said we should go visit his dad—and that's how we found this Dark World."
Ralsei: "Oh, oh, okay. Kris, how are you doing?"
Susie: "He's fine. Just a small injury."
Ralsei healed Kris.
A moment of silence...
Susie: "Oh, right—next to the flower shop was Kris's dad's wool! He might be in danger!"
Ralsei: "Then let's go. Kris, you lead the way."
On the road.
Susie: "Why does this Dark World look so... bright?"
Ralsei: "You mean 'vibrant'?"
Susie: "Yeah, I guess."
Ralsei: "They say when the Dark World becomes unusually vibrant... it means there's someone important to a Lightner inside..."
Ralsei: "It seems... Kris must really love his dad, right?"
(Choose "Of course")
Susie: "I knew it. That big fluffy guy is a good man—how could anyone hate him!"
(Choose "Not at all")
Ralsei: "Ah, it's okay. There must be other people you care about!"
They arrived at the door.
Please enter the password.
Hint: A day that matters to you.
Susie entered 1225.
...Password incorrect.
Ralsei: "Why did you enter that?"
Susie: "Hm... nothing. Just wanted to try Christmas."
No one tried again.
Ralsei walked up to Kris.
Ralsei: "Kris... I understand your silence..."
"Afraid of being seen."
"Afraid of being judged."
"But... this password... might really only be known by you... Please, enter the day that matters to you... We promise we won't ask about it, because we're your friends, and we respect you."
Kris went to enter the password.
(When you input the password, Kris's hand trembles when you hit the correct digits.)
0 1 2 3
THUD!
The door opened.
Susie: "0123? Is that January 23rd?"
Ralsei: "Susie!"
Susie: "Alright, alright. I won't ask..."
What came into view... was empty.
Susie: "Damn... there's nothing here... Let's go."
??? : "Oh, you three darlings~ you just got here—why leave in such a hurry? Don't go, don't go! Nobody leaves!"
Susie: "Who the hell are you?!"
King Spade·Rising: "I am King Spade·Rising! I once served as the head of the Turbine Department, but was wronged by a villain, and unexpectedly entered the Dark World before my death..."
Ralsei: "What? You mean Lightners can enter the Dark World when they're about to die?"
King Spade·Rising: "Probably so—at least that was the case for me."
Susie: "But what can we do for you? We don't know analog electronics..."
King Spade·Rising: "No, no, no—thinking too small! Nobody can learn that stuff anyway! Before I died, my subordinate still taught that course at a university—40-point passing line, failed a bunch of people... Wait, I'm getting off track! I've switched careers now—I've become a fan of murder mystery games!"
Ralsei: "So... you just want to invite us to play a murder mystery game?"
King Spade·Rising: "Exactly what I need! It's an amazing script!"
Susie: "What's a murder mystery game?"
King Spade·Rising: "What?! Miss... I'm sorry... but that's the funniest thing I've ever heard! You need to go take some entertainment classes!"
Susie: "None of your business..."
King Spade·Rising: "A murder mystery game is where you play characters in a story and act out a heartfelt tale!"
Susie: "That doesn't sound special at all... And we still have to seal the Fountain... we're in a hurry..."
King Spade·Rising: "Seal the Fountain?! Why didn't you say so earlier! Right outside is the courtroom—ring the Judgment Bell, and it'll take you to the Fountain."
Hearing "courtroom," Kris trembled, but nobody noticed.
King Spade·Rising: "Before that..."
He started acting cute.
"Just play with me for a bit~~~"
Susie couldn't take it anymore.
"Fine, fine, fine, we'll play!! Stop making that disgusting noise!"
Ralsei: "It's okay—this time it's pretty convenient."
They sat down.
Suddenly, three small houses separated them.
Susie: "What the hell is this?!"
King Spade·Rising: "Don't be nervous, sweetheart. It's just a way to help you immerse yourselves in the story."
Ralsei: "Isn't this method... a bit too unconventional..."
King Spade·Rising: "To achieve extraordinary things, you must use extraordinary methods! Each of you will play a different character and act out this..."
"Earth-shattering!!"
"Soul-stirring!!"
"Unprecedented!!!"
"Breathtaking!!!!!"
"Script!!!!!!!!!"
Susie: "I'm starting to regret this."
King Spade·Rising: "No! You're going to love it! Especially you, ma'am."
King Spade·Rising: "Now, let's begin the countdown!"
"3!!!"
"2!!!!!!!"
...
"1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The game began.
You realize you can't hear anyone else talking...
Looks like the best option right now is to play out this script.
(You can only control Kris for now, going through Kris's script.)
Kris's computer displayed:
"You will be playing a girl."
"But you have a large build and look like a dinosaur. You have a lot of strength, but you're kind-hearted. You just want to find a friend."
Suddenly, Kris (the player, you) heard very faint crashing and static noises... probably from the computer not working well. You decide to keep reading.
"However, your classmates seem to have a hard time accepting you. They think you're a freak."
Location: School cafeteria.
Every meal, you need to eat twice as much, and you always eat alone.
"Look at that person—eats so much every time! And she's a girl! Looks like a guy!"
"Saying that about your own wife—that's not cool, man."
"Bullshit, she's your wife..."
"Look at her... arms like tree trunks, legs like tree trunks... I can't even imagine how I'd live if I looked like her."
You often hear these kinds of remarks.
Until one day... a new student transferred to your school.
He was pretty shy, stumbling over his words when introducing himself. During PE class group activities. As usual, you were left out. Suddenly, a hand reached out to you.
It was that student.
You played a shooting game.
(This part corresponds to a mini-game. Play shooting. Score.)
If your score is higher than his:
Classmate: "Wow... I didn't expect you to be a shooting expert! I'll keep competing with you in the future!"
If your score is lower than his:
Classmate: "It's okay. We can practice together slowly from now on."
That's right—you finally found a "friend."
Your other classmates started gossiping about you two.
"Zzz zzz, a pair of legendary lovers."
He didn't react—neither playing along nor defending himself.
You thought it was fine. You'd finally found a friend.
With the new classmate's company, you seemed to finally understand what friendship meant.
He once told you that he was also weird. So he understood you.
...That was nice.
...
If only it could stay like this forever.
One day, the teacher assigned a group project, requiring four people per group.
Someone went to ask your friend...
You were left alone in the classroom.
You asked the teacher if two people could form a group.
Luckily, your teacher was easygoing and gladly agreed.
You were about to tell your friend.
Your friend came back.
"Hey... I found a group, but they already have three people... We shouldn't force our way in, right..."
You were clearly upset, but you still agreed.
"You're so nice! Next time I'll definitely partner with you!"
Class was over—time for lunch.
"Um... I'm going to go discuss the task assignments with them first... you go eat by yourself."
You went to eat alone, but you quietly followed behind them... and overheard some things...
"Honestly, you're a decent guy—why hang out with her?"
"Ah... at the time I just saw she was... kinda lonely... so I 'pitied' her a bit and wanted to 'give' her some help."
"Oh, so that's how it is... then you're getting the short end of the stick! Let me tell you, she..."
Your classmates told him all the embarrassing jokes and humiliations you'd been through.
Him: "Huh? She's that much of a weirdo? I don't want to hang out with someone like that. It'll make me weird too."
"Exactly! Why don't you join us instead!"
"Yeah, yeah! Let me tell you—I'm nothing like her. I'm super 'normal'!"
...
...
Yeah... if only it could stay like this forever...
But... maybe you're better off alone?
Anyway, you walked up to him and said, "I was blind to have trusted you."
And walked away. Your relationship officially ended.
Being alone isn't so bad—no need to accommodate others, no need to consider anyone else's feelings?
That's what you thought.
On the way home from school, you walked quietly, with no one by your side.
"Hey! There's a cute chick over there!"
"Are you blind?! That's a beast!"
—They were street thugs near the school. They seemed to have their eyes on you.
"Wow... miss... you've got a... unique look... Why not join us?"
You have two choices:
(Choose "Yeah, sure!")
"Haha! Straightforward!"
"But... we don't just take anyone here..."
The thug called someone over.
"Go! Spar with her!"
—Battle begins— (Dodge bullets)
(Choose "Join if you can beat me")
"Not bad, not bad! Got guts! I like it!"
"You! Spar with her!"
—Battle begins— (Dodge bullets)
You find your life ridiculous. You feel like nothing matters anymore—might as well use them as your 'friends' and beat them up? This is the first time you've had this thought.
Your only option is to fight.
You notice the thugs aren't really going all out, but you seem to be having fun beating them.
You easily defeated the thug's underling. (You die and reload, but the first thug is easy.)
Thug Leader: "What the—you're serious?! We were just messing around! Stop hitting! Hey!"
But you've already gone berserk.
Thug Leader: "Damn, looks like I have to step in."
—Battle continues— (Dodge bullets)
Bullet difficulty is moderate. Die and reload. Again, your only option is to fight.
When the thug leader has a sliver of HP left... you chose to regain your sanity.
You spared them.
Thug Leader: "Damn, remember to burn me some ghost money on Qingming..."
He looked up and realized the girl had stopped.
You just stared at the thug for a long time. Finally, you said one sentence.
"Looks like I'm qualified. You want me or not?"
The thug swallowed hard and nodded at her.

At the tavern...
Thug Leader: "Holy crap! Are you a water buffalo?! Two pounds of baijiu and you're not even drunk?!"
Girl: "You said you'd repay me for not killing you. What, having second thoughts?"
Leader: "Ah... drink! Drink all you want! You think I can't afford this much booze?!"
Leader: "Speaking of which... why'd you go through all that trouble to fight us today... We thought you'd be scared... Is something going on?"
You were silent.
You slammed your cup against the table. It shattered, and your hand started bleeding.
Leader: "Don't hit! Don't hit me! I won't ask anymore!"
Girl: "Who said I was going to hit you? Find me something to bandage this with. And the cup's on me."
The thug leader bandaged you.
You told them your story.
Thug Leader: "Damn! That's too much! How could he do that?! So what if you look like a guy?! We've got a guy here who looks like a girl! The one you took down first. But we're good to him!"
You could feel that he was genuinely angry for you—not... trying to please you.
It was the first time you'd ever heard words like that. You actually... started crying.
Leader: "Ah, why are you crying?! I don't know how to comfort a woman..."
You just kept crying. Having him there seemed enough.
That night was unforgettable.
You dragged your drunken self home. Thankfully, your parents weren't home—otherwise, you'd have been in big trouble.
The next morning, you dragged your exhausted body, ate your 165th self-heating meal box, and went to school, attending the sports meet where you always signed up for shot put but the PE teacher never picked you. The good news was, after the sports meet came a super long vacation!
...You slept through the entire day. No one cared.
After school, you found the thug gang waiting for you. This was the first time anyone had waited for you after school.
Leader: "Hey, purple girl, want to have some fun today?"
You turned your back and wiped your tears...
"Let's go."
You did a lot of "pranks":
Taking lollipops from kids and giving them cotton candy instead.
Stuffing little bunnies into glass jars and then rescuing them.
Stealing all the bras from a bathhouse store and selling them to men... even though every man bought them willingly, you returned 80% of the money to the store, and the remaining 20% was your wages from the boss. (How do I know why they need bras?!)
You felt like life was pretty good.
At night... you went to an all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet.
Leader: "Hey! This buffet is amazing! You can even get butterscotch-cinnamon pie here!"
For once, you had a hot meal... and not alone.
At the table, you all chatted happily.
Time passed.
Leader: "Go! Go! The boss is about to lose 300%!"
You finally stuffed down the last piece of fried chicken.
"Yay!! Long live the girl! Everyone, shout: Long live the girl!!!"
Amid the laughter and joy, you left the restaurant. Before leaving, you gave the boss double the money.
On the road, the usually chatty leader suddenly went quiet.
"Girl... actually, your school is pretty good... If you keep hanging out with us... it won't do you any good for getting into higher education. We..."
You stopped. You swung your hand at him, but stopped at his cheek and started stroking it.
"Next time you say something that denies yourself like that, I really will slap you."
...
A moment of silence.
You spoke.
"You're the first people who've ever treated me like a complete person. If I just left you all... I could never forgive myself."
You kept walking, and arrived at your house.
"..."
Leader: "Although... it feels weird coming out of my mouth... I still want to say..."
"You deserve to be loved."
You stopped walking.
Choking back tears, you said...
"Thank you."
Then you walked into your house without looking back.
That night, you cried for two full hours.
And so, every day you did similar pranks, drank similar alcohol, ate similar buffets with the bra money... You didn't hesitate to skip class and neglect your studies... But you felt that in front of a group of sincere friends, that didn't matter. Until you were expelled from school.
The principal called your parents.
You walked into the principal's office and saw your parents and the principal.
Parents: "Hah, you sure make us proud. We go out every day to make money for you, and this is how you repay us?"
You finally couldn't hold it in anymore and said what you'd always wanted to say.
"You mean you go out every day to drink, gamble, and whore around, leaving a few lousy bucks for your precious daughter's daily expenses, with less than two days of care in two months?"
"Then go live on your own if you're so capable! What are you complaining to me for? Besides, hanging out with those people—what can they teach you? Teach you how to be a delinquent?"
"At least they're better than people who give birth but don't raise."
The principal slammed the table.
"If you're going to argue, get out. Are you done or not? Your child has already missed 50 class hours—no discussion. Our school doesn't need students like this. Please leave."
You said, "Whatever."
And walked out the door.
Your parents also left.
Before leaving, the principal muttered under his breath: "Mud that can't be plastered on a wall."
You went back to that home.
Your parents said one thing.
"Anyway, you're almost an adult. We'll give you one last chance. We're moving. The area has good public security—no thugs at all. We'll find you another school. If you get expelled again... then we're done with you."
"Moving? No!" You freaked out at the word "moving."
"Who's the one being supported right now? What makes you think you have the right to make demands? No discussion! You've been expelled and you still have the nerve to ask for things—how interesting."
"Heh, it's just because that tavern closed down and you don't know where else to go. I've been there. I've seen you there."
Your parents froze, then flew into a rage.
"You're going to taverns at your age?! You have the nerve to say that! Our family is like this because we have a useless waste like you! And you've been going to taverns! Then we definitely have to move! If I see you at a tavern in the new place, I'll beat you to death."
Your parents realized they'd slipped up.
"Anyway... we're moving for sure! If you don't like it, go live on your own and see who wants you!"
You let out a cold laugh and walked out.
You wanted to go find a job on your own. But your parents sent you a message.
"You'd better think carefully. Otherwise, we'll find someone to cripple those thugs. Of course, we do understand you a little—one last day. Go say goodbye to them."
You roared and smashed a bottle against your own body.
You knew that so-called "understanding" was just to cover up their embarrassment at slipping up.
It seemed... there really was no way out.
The last night.
Leader: "So... you're leaving...?"
You didn't speak.
The leader chugged a bottle of strong liquor—a "Never Go Home Tonight" cocktail.
He mixed it himself.
He mixed one for you too.
"This drink is 66 proof—the strongest you've ever had. No more words! To the last night of freedom!" His voice was choked with tears.
You just drank. Cried. Enjoyed this last—for you, priceless—friendship.
You were about to fall asleep...
Right before you drifted off, you heard him say:
"You know what... you always think it's us who saw you... but really... it's the first time we've been truly seen by you..."
After hearing that... you slept even more soundly.
The next day... you moved. You were alone again. Your parents went out to "work" as usual. The security here really was good—after all, the sheriff was Undyne... No more thugs. You chose to arm yourself with violence, to make yourself scary... At least then your loneliness had a reason.
Until one day...
Alphys: "Kris... you'll partner with Susie."
"Kris, please go get the chalk with Susie and make sure she doesn't cause any trouble, okay?"
That girl's adventure officially began.

THE... END...?
Rip!
You find your role reversed—you're now playing as Kris himself.
BAM! A beam of light revealed Susie.
BAM BAM! Two beams revealed Kris and Ralsei.
The Kris and Ralsei on the screen spoke to the Susie on the screen.
Screen Ralsei: "Actually... we were just using you."
"You were never part of our game."
The crashing and static sounds became noticeable.
"That prophecy was indeed fake—just something to amuse you. In the end, the only heroes are me and Kris. You'll be abandoned."
"You'll never truly be chosen."
Screen Kris also started speaking—not controlled by you, but running automatically from the computer.
"That's right. You're useless."
"I only got close to you at first because I had no choice."
"You..."
BAM!!!!!!!
Kris smashed the computer.
The room was finally removed, and you saw Susie, Ralsei, and King Spade·Rising...
...
King Spade·Rising: "How was my script? Good enough—"
Before he could finish, a barrage of Scarlet Rippers flew at him.
Ralsei hugged Susie, but his strength was insignificant.
Ralsei: "Susie! Stop! We didn't say that! We care about you!"
Susie: "Fuck you! Let me go! I'm going to destroy him today!"
King: "Wait! I was just following the rules! The Knight told me to do it! He said that's how I'd make money! You can't say no to money, right—hey! Hey! I'm dying!"
Just then, Susie noticed Kris's bloody hands and the smashed computer...
Susie noticed Kris looking at her, and the computer still making intermittent sounds...
"You... use... Susie... useless..."
Kris continued to pound the computer relentlessly until it was reduced to a pile of shattered fragments.
Kris's hands were a bloody mess, bones almost visible.
Susie lowered her axe.
Ralsei was still holding Susie. He let go, but didn't step away.
Susie walked over to Kris...
"Idiot..."
"Of course I know those words weren't from you..."
"Let me see..."
"Wait—you punched it with your bare fists?!"
"...Are you stupid..."
She turned around and wiped her tears.
She looked at King.
"Get lost."
King scrambled away.
Ralsei: "Kris... your hands... let me heal you."
Ralsei healed Kris.
Ralsei: "Susie... I'm really sorry... I never wanted to hurt you... I tried to knock on the room to get out, but every time I hit it, the room shocked me... My character was completely out of my control..."
"Just thinking that I was playing that classmate from your class..." Ralsei covered his face, curled up, and crouched in the corner.
"I just..."
"I'm sorry..."
"Really..."
"I'm sorry........................"
Ralsei was already sobbing uncontrollably. His fur was blackened by the electricity...
Susie walked over and patted Ralsei's head.
"Ah... you don't have to do this..."
"Actually, I couldn't control my computer either... I got shocked too..."
"And... the character I played was my goddamn parents..."
"You think I'd doubt you because of some crap like that?"
"Come on... you didn't need to electrocute yourself into a little black sheep to prove that..."
"Well... I guess I have to raise my estimation of your stupidity to a new level. Haha."
Ralsei hugged Susie.
But this time, she didn't let go.
She just laughed.
"Hey! You son of a bitch Knight! Did you see that?! All your little tricks are nothing but dogshit!"
"They'll always care about me! Accept it, you asshole! You fucking idiot!"
Susie walked up to Kris.
"Kris, let's go!"
You head toward the courtroom.
You pressed the save point in the courtroom.
Miraculously, the sweet little black sheep turned back into a sweet little white sheep.
Do you want to press it again?
(Choose "Press")
Miraculously, the sweet little white sheep turned back into a sweet little black sheep. But he wasn't hurt.
Do you want to press it again?
(Choose "Press")
Miraculously, the sweet little black sheep turned back into a sweet little white sheep.
Susie: "Stop fucking around! Idiot!"
You decided to stop playing.

On the way from the hall to Courtroom 1F...
Susie: "Actually... the reason I became friends with Lancer in the first place was because he reminded me so much of my old friends... We'd pull pranks together, eat fried chicken with the bra money... Those days were... really something. Just like you all now."
Ralsei: "I understand how you feel, Susie... finally finding friends, only to be forced apart... I-if you're willing... I can cook for you every day..."
You want to say something to Susie?
(Choose A: I'll always be with you. Don't even think about shaking me off.)
Susie: "Now I get why Noelle said you're good at flirting... I'm... touched? Yeah, touched. Well then... let me make a wish... that the three of us can go out for a buffet together."
Ralsei blushed.
(Choose B: Can you really eat enough fried chicken to make the boss lose 300%?)
Susie: "Is that the point here... Fine! I'll show you! The three of us—definitely going out for a buffet together!"
Courtroom 1F entrance.
Another password door.
"Enter a day that matters to you."
There are two passwords.
Susie entered 0329.
"That's the day I met the thug gang."
Ralsei: "Kr—"
Before he could finish, Kris entered the password himself.
"0117"
The door opened.
Ralsei gave Kris a warm smile.
They went in.

Courtroom — 1F
A magnificent hall, with eight large characters on the wall:
"CONFESS AND GET LENIENCY, RESIST AND GET SEVERITY."
Below that was another line:
"Justice and fairness are my idealism."
You need to get the key to the room on the right to go upstairs, and the door on the right needs the key from the left to open...
Susie: "Is this floor as high as it gets..."
"Looks like this courtroom only has two floors."
"A lot easier than before, right?"
(You can answer "Yes" or "No")
(Answer "Yes")
Susie: "...I feel like you don't have much confidence... Cheer up, Kris! No matter how hard things get, we can handle them!"
(Answer "No")
Ralsei: "Kris... are you worried about something? Don't be afraid. We're always here for you."
You walked toward the room on the left.
Please enter the password:
It's a four-letter password lock. You need to enter the correct letters.
There's a hint below:
4 5 19 19

A B B E
=
X X X X (password)
Ralsei: "Kris, please..."
You went to enter the password.
Susie: "Hey, maybe I can give it a try?"
Ralsei: "Ah, of course."
Susie went to look at the password.
Susie: "Here's how I see it... the numbers in the first row should represent the letters' positions in the alphabet? Then subtract A, B, B, E respectively. For example, 4 corresponds to D. If A = 1, then the first X is the 4-1=3rd letter, which is C."
You try entering the password.
C C Q N
THUD!
The door opened.
Susie: "Looks like my intuition was right! Let's go."
You bypassed numerous traps and reached the center of the room.
BAM!
Kris was locked in a solitary room.
Fortunately, the room wasn't soundproof and was transparent.
Susie: "Kris! Are you okay?!"
Ralsei: "Kris... please don't get hurt again, okay..."
How do you want to respond to them?
(Choose A: I'm fine. Don't worry.)
Ralsei: "That's great... Kris... as long as you're okay..."
(Choose B: Sing the Wrong Number Song.)
Susie: (Laughs in anger) "Just wait. When you get out, I'm going to kill you."

You start controlling the controller. The three of you watch your script together.
?? Why is there a battle right from the start?? And Kris can only spare??
You dodged a round of bullet attacks. If you can't dodge, it stops automatically when your remaining HP drops below half.
?? : "Kris, this is a lesson for you. If you scare Noelle again, watch your butt!"
Noelle: "Come on, sis... it's not like Kris meant to..."
Dess: "What? You're saying he didn't mean to?"
Noelle: "Ah... no... I mean..."
Dess: "Are you saying he didn't really hurt you either?"
Noelle: "Ah... yeah..."
Dess: "That's true... But Grandpa already has a heart condition. You need to be careful, okay? You're always playing horror games with Dad behind my back—I'm genuinely worried you might leave me one day..."
Noelle: "Haha, sis, you don't have to be so anxious. Dad and I are doing fine! Don't you take us to the hospital for checkups all the time..."
Rudy (Noelle's father): "Alright, alright, we're invincible! Honestly, every time I see Noelle get scared, it makes me pretty happy, haha!"
Noelle/Dess: "Dad! How can you be like that!"
Rudy: "But Kris, next time you should probably find a different way to tease her—otherwise Toriel's going to make you write 'I won't be mischievous anymore' 100 times again! Haha!"
Susie: "I didn't know you had it in you, kid..."
Rudy: "Enough joking around. It's really cold today... and we still have to go to Toriel's for Christmas dinner tonight, so you're both hungry, right? How about we go get some hot tea first? My treat!"
Dess: "Mom usually controls your money. You barely have any, right..."
Rudy: "Uh... damn..."
Dess pulled out five bucks.
"Think of it as my treat for Kris. I did just scold him a bit. Little Kris, don't do that again, okay~"
Rudy: "What about you?"
Dess: "I'm going back to school. The cake I prepared for you all is still there."
Noelle: "Why would you make a cake at school..."
Dess: "Actually... I just joined the baking club, so I bought some ingredients from there. We don't have any baking tools at home..."
Rudy: "Alright then. I can't wait to taste my daughter's delicious cake~ Bye!"
Dess: "Bye~ Oh, and I only brought a limited amount of cream this time, so..."
"Kris, you'd better not smear cream all over your face and play dead again, hahahahaha..."
Ralsei/Susie: "(Shocked) Kris??"
Kris blushed.

A Toby Fox brought the scene to the drink shop.
Rudy: "Kris, you still like cold drinks, even on Christmas?"
Noelle: "Kris drinks cold drinks all year round. Honestly, I envy his digestive system. If I had a cold drink in winter, my stomach would go on strike the next day."
Rudy: "That reminds me of your dad, Kris. In college, he was the complete opposite—even in summer, he'd drink hot tea every day. His thinking was pretty abstract—he believed hot tea represented staying true to yourself, though I never saw the connection... Oh, and to pursue your mom, he even trimmed his plants into the shape of Toriel! That was hilarious."
Noelle: "I've always thought Kris's dad was really gentle. I often see him chatting with Kris, but he always seems to be holding on to something. He seems especially concerned about whether what he does aligns with his true self..."
Rudy: "You're so young and you can already notice that?! That's amazing! I feel like you could be a counselor! In fact, that's exactly how he was. When his bike was stolen and nobody would investigate, he got so angry that he swore he'd become a sheriff who protects everyone—even if caring too much about small everyday things cost him many promotions, he didn't care. I think Kris has great potential to become that kind of person too!"
The Kris on screen blushed.
Ralsei: "Haha, I think so too!"
The Kris in reality blushed.
The Kris on screen fell asleep.
Rudy: "Boring. He falls asleep while I'm telling stories about his dad."
Noelle: "Speaking of which, Kris usually orders iced Americanos—why did he suddenly order iced tea this time?"
Rudy: "Yeah, the kid hasn't finished it yet. I have to try it."
Rudy took a sip and spit it out.
Rudy: "...What the hell, this is alcohol!"
Noelle: "Huh?? Didn't Kris order a 'Long Island Iced Tea'?"
Person next to them: "Long Island Iced Tea is alcohol, ma'am."
Rudy: "Damn, I didn't think twice when he ordered it. I just ordered it for him."
Noelle: "Huh? You didn't know it was alcohol?"
Rudy: "I'm alcohol-intolerant, remember... Anyway, you have to keep this secret for Dad, my dear daughter... Otherwise... Toriel will kill me."
Noelle: "Alright, let's take him home first..."

Two Toby Foxes brought the scene to Dess's school.
Dess picked up the cake, with everyone's shapes made out of cream on top.
"Mom, Dad, and the Kris family are going to love this!"
Suddenly... a dark presence came from behind her...
"I didn't want to catch you..."
"You just had to be alone, didn't you..."
"Then you'll do..."
"Your existence should be enough..."
ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR ERROR
...
Whoosh! The room isolating Kris disappeared.
You found the key to the left room.
Susie: "..."
"So Noelle's sister is missing?!"
"That bastard Knight must have done it."
"But why did the Knight take her? What does 'enough' mean? Enough for what? Part of some plan?"
Ralsei: "As for the Knight's motives... I'm not sure either... But we should keep moving forward and see if she and Kris's dad are safe."
Susie: "Right. Kris, take the key."
You picked up the key.
You used the key to open the door on the right.
Susie: "There should be that damn partition again. Let's watch carefully—whoever's side looks like it's about to get a solitary room, we squeeze in on their side!"
Ralsei: "But... that might be dangerous..."
Susie: "Makes sense... Then let's gamble. Gamble on who gets locked up this time."
Susie looked at Ralsei with a wicked grin.
"Seems like... you're the only one who hasn't been locked up, toothpaste boy."
Ralsei: "Ah...? Me?"
Susie: "That's right. Quick, Kris, surround him!"
They surrounded Ralsei.
Kris and Ralsei pressed face to face.
Both Ralsei and Kris blushed.
Susie: "Why are you two blushing?! That's not what I meant!"
Suddenly, a powerful shockwave separated Kris from the other two.
Kris was alone in a solitary room again.
Worse yet, this room was completely sealed. Fortunately, you could still hear their voices.
Susie: "Kris!! Are you okay?!"
Ralsei: "Kris!! Are you alright?!"
What do you want to say to them?
(Choose A: I'm fine.)
(If you also said "I'm fine" last time)
Ralsei: "You're always fine, and you're still just as gentle, haha."
(If you sang the "Wrong Number Song" last time)
Susie: "Alright, finally back to normal."
Susie's inner thoughts: Why do I feel a little let down?
(Choose B: Mimic them)
Ralsei: "You're okay—that's great, and you're so cute, hahahaha."
Susie: "Who the hell told you to mimic me, you idiot!"

You continued controlling the controller, continuing the story.
Susie: "Hey, this room seems to have a projection feature—we can see!"
Susie: "Then what's the point of the damn sealed room..."
Ralsei: "Maybe... it's just to let Kris operate without visual pressure?"
Susie: "...Fine."
You started controlling the controller.
Inside Toriel's house.
Rudy: "The kid looks skinny, but he's heavy to carry."
Toriel: "Kris... what happened?"
Rudy: "He played too hard today and got tired."
Asriel: "Boring... This is Christmas Eve! I can't believe he fell asleep."
Asgore: "Come on, maybe he'll wake up after some rest..."
Rudy: "Let's carry him up to bed then."
Asgore: "Thanks for the help!"
Rudy: "We're classmates—don't mention it!"
They carried Kris upstairs.
Rudy: "Haha! I told you, Toriel's so easy to fool!"
Noelle: "(Speechless)."
Rudy: "Done! Finally got the little brat settled. Let's go back down."
Suddenly, there was urgent knocking at Toriel's door.
Rudy: "Ha, must be Dess back! What's the rush, kid."
Toriel opened the door.
But outside was a stranger.
"H-hello? Can I help you?"
"Hello, ma'am. I need to speak with Asgore!"
"Ah... go ahead..."
He went in.
"Asgore, bad news! A classroom at XX School had all its tables overturned! And there was a cake on the floor!"
Asgore: "What? Isn't that the college Dess is attending?!"
Rudy called Dess.
...No answer.
Rudy: "Which classroom?"
"Room 25, 12th floor."
Rudy: "Oh no! That's Dess's classroom! We need to go check it out!"
"Sorry, sir. Only relevant personnel are allowed at the scene right now. Are you her father? We'll notify you as soon as we have any updates! Asgore, let's go."
Asgore changed into his uniform.
Toriel: "Dear, if anything happens, let us know right away. We'll help, okay?"
Asgore: "Don't worry, dear. Rudy, come with us! Look around the area for Dess!"
Rudy followed.
On the road.
Asgore: "Have you investigated yet? What's the situation?"
"This doesn't seem like a minor incident. The scene is very chaotic."
Asgore: "Don't worry. No matter how complex the case, determination can solve it."
They arrived.
Asgore checked the school's security footage.
Room 25, 12th floor, 3:30 PM:
Dess: "Mom, Dad, and the Kris family are going to love this!"
Suddenly, the footage became blurry...
"Did... n't..."
"A... lone..."
"Sho... uld..."
Room 25, 12th floor, 3:31!@#&#...&@($&#(@(#( &#(@&(
The screen went black.
3 seconds later, the footage came back on.
Room 25, 12th floor, 3:35 PM.
A chaotic classroom.
Asgore: ".............."
"What... is this...?"
"Where did those 3 minutes and 57 seconds go?!"
Assistant: "I... I don't know... This school's surveillance has never had issues before!"
Asgore: "Call Undyne first. I didn't want to bother her."
They worked frantically for a long time, and finally drove to Asgore's superior in the middle of the night.
Superior: "Who is it!"
Asgore: "It's me, sir!"
Superior: "Oh, Asgore. It's Christmas—why do you suddenly come looking for me? Isn't it nice to stay home with your wife and kids?"
Asgore: "Here's the thing, sir."
He explained the case to his superior.
Superior: "Well, that does sound pretty difficult... Let's talk about it tomorrow! Nobody's in the mood right now anyway."
Asgore: "Chief, how can you say that! A life is at stake here! As cops, we can't be afraid of trouble!"
Superior: "Oh come on... What could've happened? Maybe the girl just ran off to play! We've had cases like that before!"
Asgore: "No, Chief! Dess isn't like that! Listen to me—"
Superior: "Alright, alright, stop bullshitting! Blacked-out surveillance—you think this is a supernatural phenomenon? Anyway, I'm retiring next week. If it's too much, just file it as a missing person case and be done with it! When I leave, you'll take my spot and you can handle it however you want. Alright!"
Asgore: "No... Chief..."
Superior: "What? You said you're going home? Great! Bye! Take care!"
SLAM!
Asgore was locked out.
Assistant: "Asgore... are you okay...?"
Asgore: "Don't worry. If the chief won't handle it, I will. I'll see this through to the end. That's my principle."

The next day:
Toriel's TV:
IT'S! T! V! TIME!!!
"Regarding the disappearance of Dess from XX School, there's still no conclusion. However, town sheriff Asgore has stated that he is absolutely determined to solve this case, no matter how long it takes. Let's give Asgore a thumbs-up for his professionalism! We hope his chief can also set an example before retirement and complete this final relay! We're all rooting for you! Dess! Where are you? We're all waiting for you to come back!"
Asriel: "Dad's so cool! He can definitely do it! Right, Mom!"
Toriel: "Of course..."
For some reason, Toriel's response sounded strange.

One week later...
Asgore: "This magnetic field bias formula... should correspond to spacetime distortion..."
Undyne: "Oh my god... he's even studying magnetic fields now... that's so dedicated..."
Assistant: "Asgore! The chief wants you!"
Asgore went out and saw the chief.
Superior: "I don't want to waste words with you. To be honest, your family is barely scraping by. If you stop bothering me, my position is yours—then you'll have plenty of money. Think it over carefully. For now, file it as a missing person case, and I'll make sure you're fine. But if you keep going down this stubborn path... don't blame me."
Asgore walked away.
Superior: "Fine, fine. You want to play it that way... I was planning to retire peacefully, but you had to go on TV and all that—now I have to work overtime, and if this case isn't closed, my pension gets cut in half. Fine. I'll use what little power I have left to do something 'nice.'"
The superior made a call.
Superior: "Hey, XX? I need a favor, old pal. You're a top-tier hacker, right? Help me..."
...Two weeks later.
Asgore: "This sine wave..."
Assistant: "Asgore! Bad news! Turn on the TV!"
IT'S. TV TIME...
Reporter: "Chief Sheriff, how did you gain access to the school and discover that the surveillance footage didn't match Asgore's description?"
Superior: "I believe we should uphold science. The surveillance at XX School has always been fine—why would it suddenly go black? With that in mind, I re-examined the footage and found that between 3:25 and 3:30 PM on December 25th, Dess placed the cake in the classroom and left. Between 3:30 and 3:35, the surveillance wasn't broken—it was just some mysterious force moving the tables and chairs. In my opinion, it might be some kind of magnetic field change. But importantly, Dess's disappearance did not occur in the classroom. This was a major investigative error on our part, and I will hold the primary responsible party, Asgore, accountable. I apologize for the inconvenience caused."
Reporter: "Some say you visited the police station three days ago in the evening. Can you tell us what you went there for?"
Superior: "I wanted to retrieve my most precious files before the end of my final shift. To ensure the records are complete, I've made a copy and returned the originals to the station."
Reporter: "That is within your rights. We understand."
...
Asgore: "What?! That's not what the surveillance showed! You saw it too, right?!"
Assistant: "Exactly! The footage they showed is different from what we saw! And calling it 'mysterious force moving tables' isn't exactly science either..."
Asgore: "Quick! Give me the backup copy of the surveillance!"
Assistant: "Okay!"
They checked the footage—and it was exactly as the superior had described...
Asgore: "This... how is this possible?!"
...One week earlier.
Superior: "You're a top hacker, right? Help me modify the surveillance footage at XX School. Change it according to my instructions (...) Got it? Don't worry, it won't trace back to you. You'll be well compensated. Then I'll make a trip to Asgore's station to swap the footage."
...
The sealed room isolating Kris disappeared.
You went out and found Susie and Ralsei both silent.
You choose:
(Choose A: Why aren't you saying anything?)
Ralsei: "Ah, I'm sorry, Kris. I mean—I'm sorry we had to see this. We were just thinking... whether we should leave you alone... No matter how it ends, we hope your dad is okay... Maybe we shouldn't have seen this heavy story..."
Susie: "Seeing this story... I feel like if I say something to you, I'll probably screw it up—because I don't know how to comfort people at all. So I figure my best option is to shut up."
(Sub-option A1: Having you witness this story with me makes me feel less alone.)
Ralsei: "K-Kris... when you say that, I'm really moved... you... really care about us."
Susie: "Ha... Since you put it that way... anyone who so much as touches a hair on your dad—I'll destroy them."
(Sub-option A2: Silence / Choose B: Silence)
Ralsei: "It's okay... you might need time to process. I completely understand. But, Kris, your dad might still be upstairs. Should we go up and see how he's doing?"
Susie: "It's fine. Sometimes I go silent too when I don't know what to say. But we should go see your dad, Kris."
You picked up the key and walked out the right door.
The once magnificent hall had become dim. The words on the wall had changed to...
"Con fess an d ge t l,,,,, resi st an d,,,,, k,, ''"
Justice? Fairness? That is my...
Idealism//118308137(@&&#)@)(!???????????????????
You went up.
A large screen stood before you.
Behind it was the Judgment Bell.
The screen began to play.

January 17th, 9:30 AM:
A scrolling red banner on the town police station:
Comrade Asgore was found to have committed serious misconduct in the 12/25 Dess Case. In accordance with the "Regulations on Handling of Town Public Security Personnel," it has been unanimously decided to relieve Comrade Asgore of his duties. In consideration of his family's financial situation, the fine is waived. The 12/25 Dess Case is temporarily classified as a missing person case. Comrade Undyne is appointed as the new sheriff. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.
Kris watched the scrolling red text in silence.
Susie clenched her fist but said nothing.
Ralsei lowered his head, his glasses reflecting the light.
They watched the red text scroll by—once, again, and again...
The screen grew dimmer each time until the scene switched.
January 23rd.
"Have you both made up your minds?"
Toriel: "Yes, we have."
Asgore: "...Yes..."
"Regarding your existing children—Asriel and Kris—who will have custody?"
Toriel: "They'll be with me. Both of them."
Asgore: "..."
"Regarding your property and assets—how will they be divided?"
Toriel: "The house goes to me. Assets split equally."
Asgore: "...Assets... you can take a little more..."
Toriel: "Are you joking? You have nothing left!"
Asgore: "..."
"Once you've confirmed, please both provide your fingerprints and signatures. You will receive your divorce certificate. However, there is a 30-day cooling-off period. If either party refuses the divorce, the process will be withdrawn. You may leave now."
Asgore rented a flower shop.
"Looks like being a cop is over... I'll just pick up my old hobby."
Rudy's family came to visit.
Asgore: "Oh, it's you all. I have no face to meet you now. I'm so sorry—I messed up the case..."
Rudy: "Hey! Brother! I won't let you say that about yourself! You did your best! We all know who's really behind this!"
Carol (Noelle's mother, the mayor): "Rudy's right. You did everything you should have, and even things you didn't have to. Don't worry—if you need any financial support in the future, just come to me. We'll find our daughter."
Asgore: "(Wiping tears)... Thank you all..."

SCRIPT — OVER.
None of you said a word.
You walked forward. It seemed the Judgment Bell was just ahead.
Kris picked up the hammer to strike the bell.
Just as he was about to strike—
Ralsei: "Kris... I still want to say this, though I don't know if I should."
"No matter what happens, we'll always be by your side. So please—don't give up, okay? I know you're not the same Kris as before..."
Susie: "Because you love your father, and you have friends who love you!"
You are filled with the determination to find your father and the power of friendship.
DONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kris smashed the bell to pieces.
Susie: "What kind of crappy quality is this bell..."
A lotus-shaped throne came forward, with a path of light ahead.
It seemed following the light path would lead to the Fountain.
(If you walk left/right)
You discover that you're not limited to the light path.
Then you see a sign:
"Do you want to take the dark path that leads to sin?"
Below is a dark path.
(If you take the dark path, you'll encounter a hidden boss.)

Dark Path Route:
You ride the lotus throne downward.
You hear some voices.
"What did I do? I just fired a guy who broke the rules..."
"This world needs money to run! Don't you understand that?!"
"In the face of profit, any belief can be easily crushed. Don't ask me why I say that—it's an iron law since ancient times!!"
"And don't tell me 'just because it's always been that way doesn't make it right.' Whether it's right or not doesn't matter! Why can't you understand that!!!!!!!!"
"Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Ahahahahaha!! Why!! Ahahahahahahaha!!!!"
"Don't you want to become a 'big shot'?!!!!!!!!"
"If you want to become a 'big shot,' you have to kill yourself first!! Don't you understand?!!!"
"Ahahahahahaha!!!! Kill yourself!!!! Ahahahaha!! Kill yourself!!!!!"
"Your choice doesn't matter at all."
You arrived at the door.
Please choose an option at the door.
(A: I am already dead. | B: Because you don't understand, I stand before you.)
Sorry, your choice doesn't matter—Kris has already chosen B for you.
THUD! The door opened.
You went in.
??? : "Oh... looks like three more brats chose that damn option..."
Susie: "So you're the scumbag who fired Asgore, aren't you?"
Priice: "Tsk tsk tsk—calling me Priice that way is rude, little girl. Wouldn't you have done the same?"
Ralsei: "I understand your difficult position, Mr. Priice. But belief is an extremely great thing. You just might not have realized it yet. Asgore didn't do anything wrong—he just wanted to give Lightners a safer environment. Isn't that a cop's duty? Have you ever considered that bringing happiness to others is itself a fulfillment?"
Priice: "Interesting... a mere brat... with so little life experience... daring to lecture me? What have you been through to say such foolish things?"
Suddenly, an axe flew toward him.
Susie: "Why the hell are you wasting words with him! The best place for scum like this is the morgue! 'You understand'—you understand everyone! Who the hell understands Kris and Asgore!"
Ralsei: "I... I'm sorry..."
Susie: "Listen up, you piece of garbage. I don't care how you got to the Dark World. Either you go back and clear Asgore's name, or I'll tear you apart."
Priice: "Haha, I've been too nice to you, haven't I..."
—Battle begins—
Evil Hammer — Priice
HP:
· Kris: 250
· Susie: 320
· Ralsei: 210
Bullet 1: Framing — hat trick, 35 damage.
Bullet 2: Dollar-shaped bullets, 35 damage.
Bullet 3: Evil Hammer — multi-directional attack, 50 damage.
Bullet 4: Judgment Hammer — actively tracks the soul and strikes, 50 damage.
Loop repeats.
Priice HP: 5000
Damage (at midline, maximum):
· Kris: 225
· Susie: 320
· Ralsei: 180
· Scarlet Ripper: 550
· Ralsei's Healing Prayer: restores 100 HP
This battle cannot be spared.
After defeating him—
Priice: "Damn... you're actually pretty tough."
"Until I died of a heart attack crying for help with no one coming, and ended up in the Dark World, I always believed money was the truth."
"But... after seeing you all... my thinking has actually wavered a little..."
"I've lived my whole life in comparison... I always thought I had to be better than others to be friends with them... but the result is obvious—I never made a single real friend in my life... I tried to numb myself with money. But your existence makes that impossible."
"...I know very well what I've done. Take my soul. Be free for me."
Susie was about to raise her axe, but she saw Ralsei looking at her with pitiful, almost tearful eyes. She lowered her hand, looking at him with a mix of helplessness and affection.
Susie: "Ralsei... you... ah, forget it."
Susie looked at Priice.
Susie: "Listen, bastard. It's not us who set you free—it's yourself. Now, get the hell out and do what you're supposed to do. Don't let me see you again."
Susie spared Priice.
Susie: "Let's go."
Susie went to the lotus throne alone.
Ralsei: "...Kris... Susie's words made me see myself more clearly... If I understand everyone but neglect the people right beside me... that would hurt even more. So... about what just happened... I'm truly sorry... I just wanted to believe that love can move everyone—but sometimes that belief is cruel to those closest to you. And hurting you..."
He couldn't hold back his tears again.
"Is the last thing I ever wanted to do... I truly..."
"Never wanted to hurt you in the slightest..."
What do you want to say to Ralsei?
(Choose A: I understand you.)
Ralsei: "Actually... you always understand me... and that's exactly why I should understand you better. I'll definitely pay more attention in the future!"
(Choose B: You look cute when you cry.)
Ralsei: "You still love making gentle jokes... Your acceptance of me lets me know I can cry in front of friends... I should also try harder to understand you."
You go to the lotus throne and walk toward the light path.
On the way, the words changed to...
"If you want to be a 'big shot,' you don't have to kill yourself..."
On the road—
Susie: "..."
"Was what I said... a bit too harsh?"
Ralsei: "No, not at all! In fact, what you said taught me a lot, Susie."
Susie noticed the tear tracks on Ralsei's face.
"Haha! You cry like a little girl every day! How are you ever going to find a partner? We're the only ones who can put up with you!"
You want to say something?
(Choose A: I like Ralsei when he cries.)
Ralsei's face turned red as a steaming pot.
He was too nervous to speak coherently.
Susie: "...Looks like it doesn't necessarily have to be a straight couple..."
Ralsei's face started changing color.
What stood before you now was a sweet little rainbow sheep.
Susie: "I'm colorblind. Can't see it."
(Choose B: No PUA, okay?)
Susie: "What! I was joking! Honestly, it's actually kinda cute..."
"...and pretty precious."
You reached the top floor.
You saw the Knight.
Susie immediately threw a Scarlet Ripper.
But it was useless—this was only his avatar.
THUD! Kris was isolated again—fully sealed, unable to hear anyone.
The Knight spoke to Kris.
"Kris..."
"You didn't keep your promise..."
"I'll give you one last chance..."
Next to Kris were two buttons—one with a checkmark, one with an X.
"If you keep doing what you're supposed to do, press the checkmark..."
"I can forgive you..."
"I'll give you everything you want..."
"If you insist on going your own way, press the X..."
"You'll suffer."
What do you choose?
But I've told you many times—your choice doesn't matter.
Kris not only pressed the X, but also split the checkmark in two.
Knight: "..."
"You asked for this..."
"Don't say I didn't warn you..."
"Then... try this on for size..."
SWISH! Kris was free.
Before him stood a controlled Asgore.
The final battle—a battle you cannot fight—began.

The wind howled. Standing before you was a true police officer.
Asgore
HP: ??
Attack: 80 (initial) - 70 (talk once) - 60 (talk twice) - 50 (talk three times)
Kris:
Action 1: Talk (limited to 3 times) — each +10% Mercy
· Talk 1: You shout that you're Kris. He seems moved. Asgore's attack power decreased!
· Talk 2: You shout that you're family, that Toriel still loves him. Asgore's attack power decreased again!
· Talk 3: You shout that he's a real cop. His attack power decreased once more!
Kris Action 2 — Sever the control threads, +5% Mercy.
Susie:
· S-Action — +5% Mercy
· Scarlet Ripper — 1000000000000% TP
· Ultimate Heal — 100% TP, +50 HP to each person
Ralsei:
· R-Action, +5% Mercy
· Talk: (once only) Asgore, we saw your story. You've always been a good cop. Please pull yourself together, okay? — +10% Mercy.
· Pacify: 16% TP
· Healing Prayer: 32% TP — restore 50 HP to any one person
Asgore's bullet attacks:
Bullet 1: Rings of flowers—move in random directions.
Bullet 2: Toriel's pies—touch white pies to take damage, touch yellow pies for +5% TP.
Bullet 3: Badges—you need to move your soul onto the badge to prevent the Evil Hammer from smashing it. If your soul doesn't reach it in time, the badge shatters. Each shattering deals damage.
Bullet 4: Waves of physics formulas—you need to move your soul onto a formula before it drifts away and press "Z" to light it up. If a formula drifts away unlit, you take damage.
When Mercy reaches 100%, you can spare.
After sparing—
Asgore collapsed without the threads supporting him.
Kris ran over and caught his father's weight.
Asgore: "What... happened to me?"
He noticed Susie and Ralsei.
"You're that purple girl next to Kris, right? And—sorry, though you look just like my son, I don't think I know you..."
Susie: "Hey, those questions aren't important right now. What matters is that your precious son is under your butt..."
Asgore finally realized Kris was underneath him. He immediately got up and checked if Kris was hurt. Fortunately, he was fine.
Asgore: "Kris! Are you okay?! Oh, thank goodness you're fine—I'd be heartbroken otherwise. Wait—why are you blue?!"
Ralsei: "That's probably Kris's Dark World form? Though I don't know what he looks like in the Light World..."
Asgore: "Oh, I see... Wait—who are you?"
Ralsei: "Hello, Mr. Asgore. I'm Ralsei, a friend of Kris's. We saw your past story... and we're sorry to have met you this way..."
"..."
Ralsei told Asgore about their group's name and what they'd just been through.
Ralsei: "You've always been a good cop—we all know that! Kris loves his father! You never did anything wrong! So please—don't be sad about it, okay? But... how did you end up in the Dark World?"
Asgore: "Here's what happened..."
"After the cooling-off period for the divorce ended, I saw that Toriel was doing well... I thought... she really didn't need me to be happy... But I missed the days when our family was together—so much that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I tried to get back together with Toriel, but she always refused. Until one day... I got a call. I don't know who it was... but they said if I did what they said, I could have what I wanted. I was overwhelmed with emotion and agreed. Then I found a dark shard in my hand. They told me to focus my will and stab it into the ground to create a Dark World. So I went to Noelle's dad's room, said goodbye to an old friend's photo, and went back to my flower shop to create this Dark World. Then... my consciousness disappeared. It's all my fault. If I'd just thought a little longer—or even asked what exactly he wanted me to do—I wouldn't have agreed, and I wouldn't have hurt you all..."
What do you want to say to Asgore?
(Choose A: I need you.)
Asgore: "..."
"You're right, Kris. You need me."
"I used to wonder what the point of my thoughts and personality was..."
"The truth is, Kris—you are one of the reasons I exist."
"Rather than saying you need me... I should say I need you."
"You're the one who makes me feel like I have a purpose."
"From now on, I'll pay more attention to you with my heart. Can you forgive your dad's weakness?"
Susie: "I knew it! Kris definitely loves his dad!"
Ralsei: "This is wonderful! The Kris family is reunited at last!"
(Choose B: She still loves you.)
Asgore: "...Actually, I never felt like Toriel wanted to get back together... But you—Kris. Your existence always makes me see things clearly. I shouldn't be so distrustful of myself, chasing some so-called happy ending. That's not what I want. What I want is to understand you and keep being with you."
Susie's inner thoughts: Kris is that important to his father? No, I can't say that—it'd kill the mood.
Ralsei: "Mr. Asgore, you're really a lot like Kris—(he starts blushing) you're both... so gentle. Like cotton candy melting on your lips..."
What do you want to say to Ralsei?
(Choose A: Not even half as much as you.)
Susie: "Honestly... Ralsei's line sounds like the pot calling the kettle black. But actually, Kris... is pretty good at flirting."
(Choose B: Can I be your cotton candy?)
Ralsei turned into a rainbow sheep again.
Susie: "Honestly, Kris is really good at flirting... he always manages to crash him..."
Asgore: "Haha, honestly, he learned that from me!"
Susie: "WHAT?! You?! Is there anyone normal left?! Kris, let's go! I need to reevaluate this world!"
Amid the laughter, you left the Dark World.
Kris sealed the Fountain.
Kris, Susie, and Asgore returned to the Light World.
Asgore: "What time... is it?"
BAM! The flower shop door burst open.
Asriel: "Daddy!"
He rushed into Asgore's arms.
Susie checked her watch.
"It's... only been 30 minutes?"
Asriel: "Huh? Is something wrong?"
Asgore: "Ah, no, haha."
They chatted at the flower shop for a while. The sunset fell on every flower, as if each one had been reborn at the end of time.
Asriel: "Alright, we're heading off! Dad! Take care!"
"Goodbye! Come visit sometime!"
On the way back.
Asriel: "I need to go help Mom with dinner. You two take your time!"
Asriel left.
Just you and Susie remained.
Susie: "I had a great time staying at your place these past few days, Kris, but I really do have to go now."
What do you want to say to Susie?
(Choose A: If you're leaving because you don't want to bother us—no.)
Susie: "Ha... you little... always giving me reasons I can't refuse... so annoying... Fine. How about you come to my place? I don't care if you want to or not—let's go!"
(Choose B: Nooo~ don't go~)
Susie: "That's disgusting! ...Stop it!"
You keep acting spoiled.
Susie: "Get away! Can you act normal for once?!" (Why do I kind of enjoy this?)
You keep going.
Susie: "Fine, fine, stop being gross! You can come to my place, okay?!"
You jump for joy.
Susie's inner thoughts: Now that he's stopped, I feel kind of let down. What the hell is wrong with me?! Whatever!
At Susie's doorstep.
(If you enter Susie's house, this chapter will end. Do you want to go in?)
(Not going in has no bonus scenes either! Haha!)
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Deltarune Chapters 6: A Gentle, Idealized Ending in My Imagination
CHAPTER 6
Kris opened the door to Susie's house.
You went inside.
Inside was a uniform dark brown wooden floor, with some graffiti on it—a drawing of a little white rabbit being stuffed into a glass jar, and another of several people selling bras together. Beneath the drawings was a bed, with blankets that hadn't been washed in a long time. The bed was also rather worn.
Susie: "These drawings... I don't think I need to explain them twice. You already know my story."
What do you want to say to Susie?
A: It's okay. I'm here with you. | B: This is minimalist style! I love it.
Choose A:
Susie: "What? I'm not like Ralsei—I don't fall for that kind of stuff... Fine, I guess I have to. Th-thanks? Want something to eat?"
Choose B:
Susie: "Haha, exactly! Feel free to run wild in my minimalist-style room! Something you definitely don't have at your place! Want something to eat?"
You zipped over to the fridge door.
Susie: "...No need to rush that much..."
Susie opened the fridge.
Inside were self-heating meal boxes in flavors: Braised Beef, Mushroom Chicken, Black Pepper Steak, Cheese Mushroom, and Italian Tomato... plus Coca-Cola.
Which one do you pick?
Choose one of the first three.
Susie: "Yeah, eating some meat is good for you—helps with nutrition."
Choose one of the last two.
Susie: "...Are you sure a vegetarian meal is to your taste? Fine, suit yourself."
Each of you grabbed a meal box and started heating them.
Meal box: 10 minutes left.
Meal box: 9 minutes left.
...
Susie: "What are you muttering about over there?"
A: Waiting for the meal box. | B: Sing the Wrong Number Song.
Choose A:
Susie: "Ah ha, looks like you're pretty hungry—but the meal box isn't going to work faster for you. Want to find something else to do?"
Choose B:
If you sang the "Wrong Number Song" in Chapter 5:
Susie: "...Did I forget to follow through on that 'I'm going to kill you' promise?"
Susie walks toward you with her axe.
Then she stops.
"Haha! Idiot! You're still so gullible! I'm starting to like joking around too! Actually, I did keep my promise—because I really can't kill you. Anyway, before the meal box is ready, you can find something else to do."
If you didn't sing it:
Susie: "...What a weirdo. Just like me. Go look around somewhere else and stop singing."
You went to the bathroom.
The bathroom was surprisingly clean—could it be that Susie likes to think about life in the bathroom?
Time seemed to be up.
MEAL BOX JOINED THE PARTY!
Then it was eaten.
Kris ate with great appetite. This was the first time Susie had seen him eat so happily.
Susie: "Looks like your mom never lets you eat this instant stuff, huh? Honestly, I guess I did you a favor—conquering little Kris's stomach with industrial flavors?"
What do you want to say to her?
A: It's delicious. | B: When the hell did you learn to flirt?
A:
Susie: "See? That's why they say kids love instant noodles... You don't know how lucky you are. I'd love to have home-cooked meals but can't. Your mom really loves you, you know?"
B:
Susie: "Guess who I learned from? Isn't it from a certain flirting master? Why don't you just kiss Ralsei already and I'll be your maid of honor? By the way, your mom cooks such good food and you won't eat it... Man, I'd kill for that. Your mom really loves you, right?"
Kris suddenly fell silent for a moment.
Susie: "...Did I... say something wrong?"
Kris continued eating.
Susie: "Hey! Slow down! Oh, you were just choking—I thought I'd said something wrong!"
Susie handed you a Coke.
"Here, you jerk. Don't scare me like that. I don't want to have to give you the Heimlich maneuver."
You took a big gulp of Coke.
Susie: "Yeah, you're definitely not allowed to drink Coke usually. Let me make up for that sweetness."
After eating and drinking their fill, they lay down on the bed.
Susie: "Can I... ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"It's just... why are you the only human in our town?"
Kris was silent. And he didn't sing the Wrong Number Song.
Susie: "Ha, never mind. Let's sleep."
They drifted into dreams...
In the middle of the night...
Kris woke up. But this time, he didn't take out his soul.
That voice sounded again.
"This is your last chance."
"You'd better behave."
However, Kris remained unmoved.
"Fine. You asked for it."
Kris collapsed.
Then, Susie woke up first. She saw Kris lying beside her.
Susie: "Where... is this? Another Dark World?"
She went over and woke Kris up.
Susie: "You can't even sleep properly, you idiot."
"It looks like we're in another Dark World."
"And this one is really dark—pitch black, nothing at all."
"Wait! We forgot to visit Ralsei in Castle Town again!"
"Forget it, he'll probably come find us himself..."
"Anyway, let's keep moving forward, Kris."
They walked on and saw a door.
Miraculously, the door could be opened directly—I thought there'd be a puzzle.
As soon as they opened it... everything opened up. This world was frighteningly bright. White as the base, with vivid reds, greens, yellows, pale blues... forming a foundation that looked dreamlike and unreal.
"Kris! Susie!"
Ralsei came over.
Susie: "Oh good, you finally showed up. We fell straight into the Dark World as soon as we fell asleep last night! It's so weird—I thought if we didn't visit you in Castle Town, you'd be running around crying looking for us! Haha!"
Ralsei: (blushing) "Actually... I really missed you both... but I knew you wouldn't abandon me!"
Susie: "Of course not! Wait—this Dark World seems even more vibrant. Kris, is there... someone you care about even more here? But who could be more important than your dad?"
Ralsei: "Actually, the vibrancy of the Dark World isn't related to how much you care about someone—it's about... the emotional impact that person once had on you."
Susie: "...Alright, let's go."
Susie's inner thoughts: This Dark World might be related to the story about that skeleton's brother.
They walked on. Ahead were various disconnected paths at different heights.
Susie: "What kind of trick is this?"
Ralsei: "I... don't know either."
??? : "Oh, three brave warriors!! Please stay your steps!"
Susie: "I hear that disgusting voice again."
King Spade·Rising: "Ah haha! It is I!"
Susie: "What, you didn't die last time and came back looking for death? Interesting."
King Spade·Rising: "No, no, no, miss! Please spare me! Actually, I do have professional ethics! I didn't know the content of the script at the start either! I just wanted to make some extra cash! Later, when I saw the story—it was absolutely outrageous!!"
"Appalling!!!!!"
"Infuriating!!!"
"Tragic!!!!!!!!!"
Ralsei: "You mean, you had no idea what the script was about, and you were just forced to perform with us for money?"
King Spade·Rising: "Exactly!! This lovely, gentle little boy truly has a keen eye!!"
Ralsei blushed again.
Susie: "What?! Do you blush at everyone?! I thought this was a special sweet moment between me and Kris!"
Ralsei: "No, that's not it! Let me expla—"
Before he could finish, King spoke up.
King Spade·Rising: "Oh my! That means what I said was sincere! This job hurts my professional ethics! I quit! Now, I've got a new job—tour guide!"
"See those broken paths ahead? Each one has an item and a corresponding story. You need to collect all the items and piece together the story logic before you can move on! By the way, I don't know this story either!"
Susie: "You're joking—you think we'd trust you?! Only that idiot Ralsei would believe you!"
King: "OH... NO!!!!!!!!!"
King started singing.
King Spade·Rising: "Trust in me, don't run away, I'll give you all I have..."
Susie slashed at him.
"Get lost right now, or face the consequences."
King Spade·Rising: "F-fine... but... that fluffy cute little boy already went ahead to find the first item..."
Susie: "What?! Kris, hurry! Just wait—I'll deal with you later."
Susie and Kris hurried forward.
They caught up with Ralsei.
Susie: "You idiot! You actually believed him?!"
Ralsei: "I... I'm sorry... I just... wanted to help you all get through this faster. I do blush easily... I don't know why either... but my feelings for you are genuine! Look, I've already found the first item!"
Susie: "Ha... you take jokes too seriously... I mean... blushing is... fine. At least... it's... cute? But you really think I'd distrust him just because of his past? Remember what King said to me—'especially you, ma'am'? If he didn't know the script, why would he say that?"
Ralsei blushed again.
"I-I'm sorry..."
What do you want to say to Ralsei?
A: Think carefully before you act. | B: I want to pinch your cheeks.
A:
Ralsei: "Mm, okay. I'll definitely be more careful from now on."
Susie: "Alright, let me see what this item is about."
B:
Ralsei: "..."
He was too nervous to speak again.
Susie: "What can I even say... Go ahead and touch your flirting master."
You pinched Ralsei's cheeks—softer than cotton candy, like strawberry-flavored cotton candy.
Ralsei started steaming—congratulations, you've created a steam engine?
Susie: "Can't bear to watch... I'm going to check the item."
Susie touched the item's protective barrier and got shocked.
Susie: "Ah! Damn! I knew that guy was unreliable!"
You touched the protective barrier... it seemed fine.
Susie: "...Great. You handle it."
What do you want to do?
A: Begin | B: Make a face at Susie
Choose A: Proceed to the next story trigger.
Choose B:
Susie: "Fine, fine—not only do you make me the third wheel, but you mock me too... Anyone else would be in pieces by now... but you're Kris... Before I pull out my axe, you'd better start operating now."
You began operating.
Whoosh! You arrived in a world. This world was very dark, filled with the red words "WHY?" written all over. Various fonts leaped out to attack you along the way, dealing 20 HP damage.
You dodged the attacks and found the item.
The item was a diary entry.
Suddenly, the diary began to dance...
Battle begins!
HP: Kris: 300
Susie: 380
Ralsei: 260
Kris shouted "I need you." The diary seemed to understand something.
Diary: "Why..."
Bullet 1: Font-formed bullets.
Questioning Standards Mainstream Approval Powerful — damage 100.
All three sang a lullaby together. The diary fell asleep and became [TIRED].
Diary: "Yeah... I shouldn't be unreasonable. Because someone needs me..."
Bullet 2: Electromagnetic waves formed by fonts... be careful not to get hit—damage 100.
Ralsei [PACIFIED] the diary.
Battle ended.
You obtained two diary entries.
First entry:
"Why... why does a father have to be tough and carry the whole family on his shoulders... I want to be like that too... but that wouldn't be me! I just want to stick to my principles and do what I love! And besides, someone does need me! Kris... can you hear me? You need me, right?"
Second entry:
"Why... why does he have to be like this all the time! Just do what the chief says and be a good cop! I want a husband I can rely on, and a home that feels safe! Our kids need financial support and living conditions to survive! I can't let our human baby eat cheap instant food! How would his body handle that?!"
You finished reading the diary entries and returned to the previous Dark World.
Whoosh! The second path was already laid out for you.
Susie: "Looks like... that guy was telling the truth? Anyway, let's stay on guard."
You walked toward the second path.
On the way:
Susie: "Hm... I have... a small, immature suggestion."
Susie: "Until we've seen everything, maybe we should stay quiet, okay? To not put pressure on Kris?"
Ralsei: "Haha! Susie, you've learned to understand other people's feelings! I'm so happy for you! I agree—let Kris experience this in peace. We'll just observe, not judge, not ask too many questions. Kris, what do you think?"
A: No problem. | B: You two can chat if you want.
Choose A: Proceed directly.
Choose B:
Susie: "Do I have to spell it out... I just... don't know what to say. Saying comforting words takes a lot out of me. For my sake, okay?"
Ralsei: "Kris, we know you're very gentle! That's exactly why we shouldn't put more pressure on you. Don't worry—we'll stay quiet, but we'll always be by your side. No matter what happens, we're your friends."
You continued forward.
Kris went to touch the second item.
Whoosh! You arrived at the second world.
This world was even more eerie and terrifying—ghost faces would pop up to attack you from time to time. You followed the path, which seemed to lead toward light—growing brighter and brighter. The ghost faces slowly turned into... Noelle's shape?
Just as you reached the light, a ghost face blocked the way.
Battle begins!
Kris told the ghost face "We are friends." The ghost face grew fainter.
Bullet 1: Ghost faces appear in random zones—get ready to dodge, damage 100.
Kris told the ghost face "I know what love is." The ghost face grew even fainter.
Bullet 2: Tracking ghost face attacks you—damage 80.
Kris spared the ghost face.
Battle ended.
You obtained the ghost face, triggering a scene.
"Can you tell Dad why you made that face at Noelle?"
"I saw Noelle likes horror games, and I like her too, but I didn't know how to say it, so I pretended to be a ghost from the game—that way she'd like me!"
"Haha! What a cute idea! But... do you remember what Noelle likes?"
"She likes strawberry cake!"
"Great! Then next time, how about you pretend to be a strawberry cake? She'll definitely love that!"
"Mm! Thank you, Dad! Mom just told me not to do that again, but I don't know why..."
"Your mom loves you too—she just shows it in her own way. Think about it—without Mom, wouldn't we go hungry?"
"Mm... Mom is good, and Dad is good too!"
You returned to the original Dark World.
You could tell Susie was holding back laughter. But suddenly she seemed to think of something, stopped laughing, and her gaze grew heavy. Ralsei kept his head down the whole time.
The third path was already laid out for you.
You continued on your new journey.
Whoosh! You arrived at the third small world.
This world was filled with melody and harmony. Various eighth notes and sixteenth notes attacked you along the way. But this time, Kris transformed those harmonies into beautiful music. Susie looked surprised, but she said nothing. You came across a piano. The piano began to dance.
Battle begins!
Kris played some chords for the piano.
Piano: Useless. Nobody understands me.
Bullet 1: A musical score made of complex harmonies—be careful not to touch the notes! Damage 100.
Kris went up and played "My Castle Town."
Piano: Seems like I don't need everyone to understand.
Kris spared the piano.
You obtained the piano.
Triggering scene 3:
"Hey, this song is absolutely amazing! Don't you think!"
"I agree! I love the composer—I really want to go to his concert!"
"Hey, that quiet classmate in the yellow-green outfit—you must think this song is great too! You know piano!"
"Hm... he used A minor, but also used the flat-II chord B-flat, adding a sense of hope and absurdity within the sadness. Plus, in a piece that's in A minor/C major, he used a major III chord A in C major, creating a tragic yet bright feeling. It's really amazing!"
You'd just finished speaking when you realized they'd already left—they'd gone to buy the singer's merchandise.
Your teacher came over.
"Kris! What nonsense are you rambling about again! Look at your homework! How many times do I have to tell you—one sentence has only one main verb! And what's this gibberish about chords? Do you expect the exam grader to understand that? Ugh, forget it. Go home and have your mom sign this. Rewrite it tomorrow."
The days that followed...
"Kris, what do you think of this song? You know piano!"
"Ah... it's fine. Sounds good."
...
You returned to the original Dark World, but the piano still seemed restless.
Kris played a beautiful piece of music. (A little bonus—it's His Theme, not considered core content from Undertale.)
The piano started playing its second phase.
"Kris, your homework... I understand you wanted to write something different, but... this is a little... too strange, don't you think? And you used the wrong verb again—were you careless?"
"Let Dad see... I think it's great. Isn't learning English about expressing what you want to say? These little mistakes don't matter!"
"Let your big brother see too! ...Hahaha! That's so creative! You're a genius, Kris! Grammar mistakes are fine—you'll learn eventually! But Mom has a point... since it's school... It's okay! Big brother believes in you!"
"Asgore, Asriel—you two can leave now. Don't disturb Kris while he's doing his homework."
"Toriel... I still think..."
"Can we talk about it tomorrow, please?"
"..."
You truly returned to the original Dark World.
The fourth path was already laid out for you.
You looked ahead—it seemed the end was near.
The fourth small world had nothing at all. Only a lonely soul ahead—but... you could never reach him. You were always just out of reach.
You reached the end. That soul gazed at you from afar, wanting to approach but seeming afraid.
Before you lay a divorce certificate. The 30-day cooling-off period had ended.
It didn't attack you—it triggered the scene directly.
January 22nd, evening:
Toriel walked into Asgore's room. It was messy and chaotic, covered in complex formulas and leftover food. Asgore was wearing his police uniform—he'd had it on for days.
"Asgore, we need to talk."
"Toriel... I'm sorry... I... don't want to say anything right now."
Toriel's face darkened. She couldn't remember the last time she'd done that.
"Is that so... Then... let's talk at the civil affairs bureau."
Asgore suddenly snapped to attention and looked at Toriel.
"What... do you mean...?"
"What do I mean?"
...
...
"What do YOU mean!!!!!"
"I used to tolerate your stubbornness, your self-centeredness—I knew you wanted to do what you loved. But now you're unemployed! And the first thing you think of isn't finding a job—it's continuing this damn case!!"
She started crying in frustration.
"You want to pursue ideals. You want to prove yourself. But what about Kris?! He's still the shortest kid in class! And Asriel is about to go to college!! Can you just give me some peace of mind?! All I want is a good husband to live a stable life—why is that so hard?! Look at yourself—where's your sense of responsibility as a man?! I don't even know who to turn to in tough times!"
"Toriel... I hope you understand... this case hit me really hard... I'll find a job. I'll do gardening, okay?"
Toriel's frustration receded. She grew calm.
"You mean you want to do gardening—in a town that barely needs a few flowers a year, and even when it does, you won't sell them because you can't bear to part with them?"
"Don't be ridiculous. We're adults. Think about it—how far would that money go?"
Asgore said nothing. He just hung his head.
...
"Then... could I still..."
"Enough."
"Let me guess—you could go entertain kindergarten kids? That requires a teaching license too! You think you can just walk in anywhere?"
"..."
"..."
"Hah~ I've had enough. This life... we'd better... spend some time apart. It'll be better for you, for me, and for the kids. I'm going to get my advanced teaching certification."
Toriel left the room. Asgore spent the whole night alone in that room. He didn't sleep.
The second divorce certificate suddenly began to stir.
It led you to another small world.
You saw that soul again. It was translucent blue, emitting a faint glow—melancholic and dreamy.
That soul spoke.
"Today the teacher scolded me. I wanted to talk to Dad..."
"Today Mom made me eat nutritious food—I don't like it. If Dad were here, I could sneak past it..."
"Today Big Brother turned on the TV—it was my and Dad's favorite show, but Dad's gone somewhere else now."
"They always say I'm a weird kid, but Dad never said that. I want Dad to come back..."
Kris reached out and touched that soul.
"Is... is that Dad? Ah! You're not Dad!! Who are you?! Why do you look so much like me?!"
"I know who you are..."
The soul disintegrated, and before you stood a hospital.
"Doctor, my child has been quiet and withdrawn ever since separating from his father. Is it a psychological condition?"
"Hm... your child doesn't have any major issues. He might just be slightly traumatized. Many kids from divorced families go through this. Just give him extra care and attention—you'll get through this. Hang in there."
"Kris, how are you feeling? Are you sleeping well?"
"Kris, put your clothes on! You'll catch a cold!"
"Kris, Mommy made butterscotch-cinnamon pie today! Don't forget to eat some chicken for protein!"
That soul spoke.
"My mom loves me very much... but..."
Before the soul could finish, you'd already returned to the original Dark World.
You continued forward. Ahead was a riddle wall.
A wall separated Kris from the other two.
...
It seemed this choice could only be made by Kris.
Did your parents divorce because they had no feelings for each other?
Yes / No
Did your parents divorce because their values didn't align?
Yes / No
Is your mother a bad mother?
Yes / No
Is your father a good-for-nothing slacker?
Yes / No
Do you feel your piano talent is useless since nobody cares anyway?
Yes / No
Do you love your mother, and does she love you—but her love isn't enough to heal your inner world—yet you still love and understand her?
Yes / No
Do you need your father to notice your quirks and be silly with you?
Yes / No
Do you love yourself?
Yes / No
Are you Kris?
Yes / No
Press "A" for Yes, "B" for No.
Kris was making his choices.
This didn't seem like a difficult problem—for someone who'd been through all this, you just needed to choose based on your true feelings.
Kris began choosing.
But he got it wrong.
Kris tried again several times—still wrong. Always wrong.
Suddenly...
Susie and Ralsei heard the sound of pounding on the wall.
Susie: "Kris!! Are you okay?! Don't worry!! I'll get you out of there!"
Ralsei: "Kris... if what's on that screen is upsetting you... ignore it, okay? Don't punish yourself like I once did. You deserve to be loved. Put down your little hands, okay?"
Susie used continuous Scarlet Rippers, but the wall didn't budge.
Susie: "Damn... useless..."
Both sides of the door gave hints.
"Only by reasoning correctly can this door open. Rest assured, he will not be harmed."
Susie looked at the screen and lowered her head. Her grip on her weapon loosened.
Susie: "..."
"Hey buddy—I've always promoted solving problems with violence, right... But I think Ralsei's right. Just treat whatever's on that screen as crap. Nothing can stop you. Stop hurting yourself. We're still here."
"..."
"...Please, Kris. Really."
You lowered your hand and slowly walked to the input panel.
With each answer, your hand trembled.
A B A A A B B B B
A voice suddenly appeared.
"How does it feel..."
"Being forced to choose the exact opposite of what you really think..."
"A B A A A B B B B—every single one perfectly misaligned with your own answers. You chose all the opposites, denying yourself just to get out. Perfect!"
"Don't worry... there's more... nightmares ahead."
The door opened.
Ralsei immediately ran over and hugged Kris. He finally couldn't hold back his tears.
"...You've worked so hard... You never should have had to bear all this..."
He was choking on his words.
"From now on... let me..."
"Let me carry it for you..."
Susie pulled them apart.
"What the hell are you saying?"
"We're a team. Whatever happens, we bear it together!"
"...Kris, I never ask for things. You know that."
"But... this time, asking for something... actually feels kind of warm."
"You've never done anything wrong."
"That damn Knight can only pull these little tricks—he can't really hurt us!"
"As long as you have determination, he's nothing!"
Suddenly, you heard a faint crying sound—very faint, but very gentle.
Ralsei: "No... it wasn't me."
Susie: "Then who? Is that Knight messing with us again?"
Suddenly... the dreamlike scene before them shattered. Beneath their feet was a mountain. In the distance was a beautiful ocean, with a bright moon hanging above.
"Oh my! Impressive!"
King Spade·Rising: "You've passed through this world's challenges! This world has returned to its original state! See? Was I right or what?!"
Susie: "...Fine. Let me ask you one thing—what did you mean by 'especially you, ma'am'?"
King Spade·Rising: "Ah! So that's why you doubted me! That makes sense! The Knight told me that if you had any questions, I should say that to you. I was just following orders..."
"Three brave warriors, you've worked hard. Ahead is a big world. After you explore it, you should be able to leave! I don't know the details myself, but that should be the case."
"Since the mood is right..."
"How about a group photo?! Only 300 Dark Dollars! Taken by professional photographer King!"
Susie: "...What? Is this why you've been pestering us?"
King: "Ha, miss—life in the Dark World isn't easy... Even a Long Island Iced Tea costs 100 Dark Dollars now! Oh wait, that's a Light World drink—the Dark World equivalent is Shadow-Swift Light Tea!"
Susie: "What a ridiculous name..."
King: "Actually, it can blend a tea tailored to each person's personality! I happen to know a little about it—want a cup? Only 99 Dark Dollars!"
Susie: "How many damn things do you know?!"
King: "More skills, more options! So how about it? Want three cups? I'll give you a discount—three cups for only 296 Dark Dollars!"
Susie: "That's only a one-dollar discount!"
King: "Small thinking! One dollar is a small amount, but the bond we've built along the way—can that be measured in money?"
Susie: "Where's the bond?"
King: "OH, NO!!!!!!!!!"
Susie: "Stop! Don't sing! I'll buy! Kris, please, make him shut up."
You bought three cups of tea.
Shadow Kris Tea—half blue, half yellow. Don't ask me why the liquids don't mix.
Shadow Susie Tea—half orange, half purple.
Shadow Ralsei Tea—half pale green, half pale pink.
King: "Thank you for your patronage!"
"About the photo..."
Do you want to spend 300 for King to take your photo?
Yes / No!!!
Choose Yes:
King: "Got it! You can strike a pose now!"
Susie leaned her shoulder against Kris. Kris put his hand on Susie's shoulder and his other hand on Ralsei's head. Ralsei blushed again and decided to look at the moon to keep himself from steaming.
Click!
Choose No!!!
King: "OH!!!—"
You decided to pay up.
Then repeat the photo scene.
King: "Thank you, three heroes, for your 'voluntary' patronage! The sea of stars awaits you ahead! Until we meet again!"
Susie's inner thoughts: "Voluntary" where...
You're ready. A new path awaits.
Ahead was a sheet of paper covered in mathematical formulas.
Kris stood beside the formulas, hesitating.
Susie: "What, that freak Knight wants to test us on math? I scored a 9 on the last math quiz—a high score! No problem—just write 'the Knight is a big idiot' and we'll pass!"
Ralsei: "I think we'd better at least... look at it... but I really don't understand these formulas. Kris, can you take a look?"
Susie: "What? Him? Forget it. In class, he's in a better place—called Dreamland."
Ralsei: "Well... what should we do..."
??? : "What to do? Like this!"
Ralsei: "Who? May I ask who you are?"
Berdly: "Oh, Kris's little sidekick? Hello! But you should remember me! Remember our story in the Cyber World?"
Susie: "How the hell did you get here?"
Berdly: "Well... Noelle asked me to bring you a bento box, so I went. When I got to your door, I felt a dark presence, and then I was pulled in by that force... Do you not lock your door normally?! I was about to knock when the door opened, and I tripped into the Dark World!"
Susie: "Damn, I was so busy eating with Kris I forgot to lock it. But just knocking on the door shouldn't open it—you'd have to... dive in or something. I'll have to check my doorbell camera when I get back."
"NO!!!!!"
Berdly: "I mean... no... need! I just... calculated the minimum stress to knock! Nothing! Nothing at all!"
Susie: "Oh~~ why do I see you blushing like some 'little sidekick' too? He blushes all the time—but you...?"
Berdly: "I... had a little drink before I left! So what! Long Island Iced Tea! Everyone knows it's alcohol!"
Susie: "Fine, fine. So, where's the bento?"
Berdly handed Susie the bento.
On top, drawn in ketchup, was Berdly's "handsome portrait."
Susie: "...Are you sure... Noelle made this?"
Berdly: "Aha! See, Noelle really cares about the two of us! Right!"
Susie: "Keep dreaming..."
THUD!
While they were chatting, Kris solved the final step of the formula.
Susie: "...? Kris, you... can solve this problem?"
"Were you attending math camps in your dreams?!"
Berdly: "Oh, I was going to solve that. Kris, next time let me handle it!"
Ralsei: "You're a genius, Kris!"
They prepared to enter the new world.
Berdly: "Want me to come with you?"
Susie: "Suit yourself. I mean—better not."
Berdly: "Oh, I've heard that when girls say 'no,' they mean 'yes.' So I'll gladly accept!"
Susie: "..."
You entered the new world.
This new world was a school. Morning sunlight filled the hallways—birds sang, flowers bloomed, peaceful and beautiful.
You saw a dark silhouette. The outline of this silhouette made Kris tremble.
You decided to pursue this shadow.
Berdly: "This... looks... like a skeleton?"
Susie: "Alright, listen, you jerk—if you don't want to get thrown out, shut up from now on. This is Kris's world."
Berdly: "Fine, like I care. Shutting up."
Susie: "..."
You walked forward. That figure walked into a classroom.
They were but phantoms—you couldn't interact with them.
Except for the shortest student in the middle of the front row, all the other students were gray, faceless figures.
You finally got a clear look at the silhouette.
It was a tall skeleton—and he looked incredibly cool!
Papyrus: "NYEH HEH HEH! Good morning, class! Are you ready for the great Papyrus's first math lesson?! Today we'll learn—graphs of trigonometric functions! My brother is actually really good at trig! He likes to arrange his bones into sine wave patterns to 'play games' with people who owe him money—though that game isn't very fun anyway. That's not important! And don't learn from my brother! Let's begin!"
Papyrus taught with passion.
Susie had already fallen asleep.
Ralsei: "Do you Lightners... usually learn such hard things... I might not be able to handle your homework."
What do you want to say to Ralsei?
A: I'll watch you learn. | B: I've already seen the prophecy.
A:
Ralsei: "Ah... then I'll definitely study hard! But you should study hard too!"
B:
Ralsei's expression froze.
He couldn't say anything—just stood there blankly.
You said to Ralsei: "You have to study hard, because we need you in the Light World."
Ralsei: "But the prophecy..."
"We need you in the Light World."
Ralsei understood something. He said no more, and gave Kris a firm, determined smile.
...
...
How nice.
"ATTENTION!!!!!!!"
Papyrus's loud shout broke the peaceful classroom.
Susie: "What the hell! I was sleeping so well!"
Papyrus: "This is a timeless classic! Composite trigonometric functions with a semi-automatic interval! But—with one formula, everything falls into place! What would I do? Just give it to you to memorize? No!!! That's too stupid!!! We should understand it! However, this formula is unprecedentedly difficult to derive! Now, let the great Papyrus come forward and derive this unprecedented formula for you!"
After memorizing the formula, most students started sleeping or doing homework. Nobody derived it. Except...
Papyrus: "Like this, and then this! Hey! Look up, everyone! Little cuties! Even though the derivation isn't tested on exams, you should understand it!"
But nobody cared.
Papyrus continued teaching with great enthusiasm.
"Now—the most critical step!"
"..."
"..."
"Damn."
"My brother Sans taught me this three times yesterday... and I forgot again."
The students started chatting—only about five minutes until class ended.
"Think, think! Damn brain! This step is the best part!"
Just as Papyrus was panicking like an ant on a hot pan...
A hand reached up.
On it was the complete derivation.
"...Kris?"
"You derived this formula?!"
"Oh my god!!!!!!! Do you know what this means?!!!!!!!"
"Besides me, no teacher in this school has derived this formula—it's that hard! Many teachers can't even do it—and you derived it?!?!?!?!"
Papyrus looked at the derivation.
"Yes!! That's it!! I remember now!"
Papyrus completed the final step.
Papyrus: "Alright, class dismissed!!"
"Wait! I want to give special praise to Kris!! You're a genius!! I'm putting this derivation on the class honor wall!!"
Kris's derivation was posted on the wall.
"Everyone should learn from Kris! He's the most mathematically gifted kid in our class!"
But nobody cared about that formula...
After Papyrus left, the classroom went dark. All the students disappeared. Only the shortest Kris remained. He stood up, his body radiating a blue glow... and walked out of the classroom.
Susie: "We'd better follow Kris, Kris."
You went outside.
That glowing Kris danced along the path—his steps graceful, as if telling a story... He walked into another classroom.
You followed him into another classroom.
It was an exam hall—the final math exam.
It was still dark inside. You couldn't see the other students, only heard the sounds of pens scratching on paper. And that blue soul... stopped in front of one problem. For a long, long time. He didn't write a word.
His body trembled, but he didn't move.
The problem read:
"Given... sin... with... composite... interval... semi-automatic..."
You could only make out that much.
RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!
The exam is over. Please put down your pens and sit still.
That blue soul walked up to Kris and hugged him.
You said to the soul, "It's okay, I'm still here." The soul led you back to the classroom.
On the way, each step the soul and Kris took grew heavier. The hallway lost its light. The sunlight by the windows was filled with the soul's silent scream.
You finally reached the classroom.
It was the same classroom—unchanged. Except...
The sheet of paper with the formula derivation now had something else written on it in red ink.
"Papyrus once said you had potential—well, I see a clown in the circus!"
"Hahaha! Clown!"
"Think you're clever—in the end, you've got nothing."
"Derive one formula and you think you're a genius!"
...
The broadcast played:
"Did you hear? Kris couldn't solve that problem! The formula he derived himself—he forgot it!"
"Huh? That problem just required memorizing the formula—lots of people got it right!"
"Right? And they called him a 'genius'—more like a 'dimwit'!"
"Shh! Keep it down—what if Papyrus hears?"
"Him? I've put up with him for so long! Always teaching stuff that's not on exams, hyping up Kris, and forgetting his own lesson material. Come to think of it—where's Papyrus? Haven't seen him in a while. Whatever—good riddance."
That blue soul crouched in the corner and disappeared.
The school classroom cracked.
Crack. Crack. Craaaack!
There was nothing.
...Except an injured skeleton.
"Why... why did they have to do that? I just wanted everyone to love math. I just wanted Kris to be seen. So what if he forgot a formula?! Why would they do that! It's me—I'm the one who hurt Kris. I ruined everything."
...At the hospital.
Sans: "So you're saying he needs antidepressants?"
Doctor: "I'm afraid so. His condition isn't looking good."
...At the principal's office.
"You want to resign? Over this?"
"Oh... Papyrus, you're young—can't you see the bright side? You didn't do anything wrong. That student had a rough time, but you have your own path too."
"I'm sorry... Principal... I... can't get past this..."
"Oh... sometimes being too kind gets you hurt... Fine. If you want to leave, go ahead. Take care."
...But he didn't take care.
One night, at Papyrus's house.
"It's my fault..."
"Kris... I'm sorry..."
"Kr..."
Beep-beep-beep—the phone rang.
"Do you want Kris to be happy?"
"Ah! Who are you?! Can you make Kris happy?!"
"Who I am doesn't matter."
"I can make Kris happy..."
"But..."
"No buts! I'll do anything!"
"Haha, that's the spirit..."
...
ERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERROR
You returned to the original world, but its vibrancy was gone. Only endless night remained.
The end seemed close.
You walked forward in silence.
A figure stood ahead. A tall skeleton.
"...Target identified: Kris."
"Initiating combat program."
"Identified: Berdly is a non-critical character. Cannot participate in combat."
Berdly was locked away, forced to watch the battle.
—Battle begins—
Papyrus
HP: Kris: 320
Actions:
Talk | Sever Control Threads
Susie: 380
Actions:
Scarlet Ripper (disabled) | Sever Control Threads | Ultimate Heal (100% TP)
Ralsei: 260
Actions:
Pacify (16% TP) | Healing Prayer (32% TP) | Sever Control Threads
Each Sever Control Threads adds 3% Mercy.
You tried talking to Papyrus, but it had no effect.
Papyrus — Bullet Attacks.
Papyrus was successfully spared.
His control threads were completely severed.
"I... where am I... Is Kris happy now..."
Papyrus saw Kris.
"That little blue guy... why does he look..."
"Teacher Papyrus."
"...Ah? Is it really..."
Kris: "Teacher Papyrus."
"It's me."
"And..."
"I've always been happy."
"I never blamed you."
Susie: "Oh my god... Kris... spoke on his own?!"
Berdly's confinement room disappeared.
Berdly: "Hey! Look at his eyes! They look different!"
"There used to be a kind of gloom in his eyes, but now that gloom is gone!"
Papyrus: "K-Kris..."
"Is it really... you?"
Kris recited the formula back to Papyrus.
Papyrus hugged him tightly.
"Child... I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I just wanted... wanted everyone to see you... but instead I amplified everyone's judgment against you..."
"You still love math, don't you!!"
"Don't let their words mislead you, okay! You'll always be the best! Papyrus will always support you! You hear me!"
Kris: "I'll always love what I love."
"But... I think there's someone just as amazing as me."
"The teacher who always teaches with the most sincere heart."
"Teacher Papyrus, promise me one thing, okay?"
"Don't give up what you love because of me—just like I won't give up what I love because of others."
"You've always done well. You don't need to carry this emotional black hole."
Papyrus: "Okay... okay... Teacher promises. I'll get my head straight and come back to teach! By the way... how did you turn blue? And these three behind you—they must be your good friends, right?"
Susie: "Actually Berdly—"
Berdly walked up to Kris.
Berdly: "Kris..."
"That formula..."
"I could never derive it."
"Success? Proving I'm better than others?"
"Being around you makes me realize how stupid my previous goals were..."
"I don't dare to ask to be your friend—because I've said harsh things to you before. But at least... your existence has taught me so much. I genuinely admire you."
Kris: "If you genuinely admire me... then you wouldn't think I'm the kind of person who holds grudges."
Kris: "Do you think I'd reject your honesty just because of what you said before? No."
"But... I can't just let you be my friend outright—unless..."
"You unconditionally take over Alphys's group projects and my English homework for the next month."
Berdly was stunned for a moment.
"Ah! Ha! That's too easy! My brain was made for meaningless work like this! Leave it to me!"
Papyrus: "You still have to write your own English homework, Kris! But... grammar mistakes are fine."
Everyone started laughing.
Ralsei: "Mr. Papyrus, thank you so much. With a teacher like you, Kris could be seen."
Kris: "You're the same, little cutie."
Ralsei turned into a rainbow sheep again.
Susie: "You're embarrassing yourself..."
Susie: "Yeah—the stuff you taught was awesome! It makes me want to learn math!"
Kris: "But you were asleep just now..."
Susie: "Ah... well... I'll pay my respects to Mr. Papyrus in my dreams."
She whispered to Kris: "Why are you calling me out? I'm speaking up for you."
Ralsei: "Looks like... another happy ending! Let's take a group photo!"
Susie: "Didn't we just take one..."
Ralsei: "But... I want to take another..."
Susie: "Please, don't."
Everyone struck a pose and took the photo.
Susie, Kris, and Papyrus walked to the Fountain.
Kris: "Goodbye, Ralsei."
Ralsei: "Goodbye, Kris, everyone!"
Kris sealed the Fountain and left the Dark World.
After they were gone, Ralsei turned around—finally able to cry freely.
"Another happy ending... how I wish..."
"How I wish it could always be a happy ending..."
"Kris, Susie..."
"Don't leave me... I'm so scared..."
"I'm really so scared..."
"So scared of that prophecy..."
You returned to Susie's house. And found... a mother standing beside them, her eyes already red-rimmed.
Toriel: "Why... why didn't you tell Mom..."
"..."
Kris walked over and took Toriel's hand.
Her tears poured out.
"I... what have I done... Because of my fear, my needs... I made a child lose a father who loved and understood him... Kris... Mom... Mom really didn't know... that you needed Asgore so much... Please... from now on, you must tell Mom everything... okay..."
Kris wiped away Toriel's tears.
Kris: "Kris's favorite thing is seeing Mom smile."
"I always knew Mom loves me—she just speaks in her own language."
"If I could only receive one love language, that'd be too low."
His maturity only made it more heartbreaking.
Susie's inner thoughts: D-damn... I feel like crying... what's wrong with me...
Toriel's eyes were swollen like fried eggs.
"...Child... you... why are you always so considerate... You obviously love playing piano, love math, hate grammar, love instant food..."
Kris finally started choking up.
"Because... I used to think... I had to be good to be liked... Mom... even if I'm the mischievous Kris... you still love me... right..."
Toriel hugged Kris tightly.
"No matter what you're like—as long as you're Kris..."
"I'll always love you."
Meanwhile, Papyrus was sleeping soundly nearby—he'd been controlled by the Knight for two days and two nights without sleep.
Susie: "I can't take it... I need to go cry for a while..."
??? : "See now, ma'am."
Susie: "...Who?"
Sans: "Forgotten me already?"
Susie: "Ah... it's you."
Sans walked over to Papyrus.
"Bro."
"You've been through a lot."
"Ah... I'm to blame too. I should've kept an eye on you that day I was dancing with Toriel."
"Letting you agree to that crazy deal..."
"That formula—if you want to keep teaching it, keep teaching it."
"I'll still teach you."
"You must all be tired—that trig attack wasn't easy."
"Anyway, I'm taking my brother to rest. See you."
Sans carried Papyrus out the door.
As he stepped out—
Sans: "Miss. And that kid next to you."
"My brother and your team were well taken care of."
"Thank you."
Sans and Papyrus left.
Berdly: "I... should go work on the group project now. Kris, wait for me."
Berdly left.
Toriel: "Oh—what time is it now?"
Susie: "Looks like it's already 5 PM."
Susie: "I'd better... take you two home? Dinner time's coming soon."
Kris: "Mom... my head hurts a little..."
Toriel: "Huh?! Are you okay?!"
Kris: "Can you come to the bathroom with me?"
Toriel: "Yes, of course."
You and Toriel went to Susie's bathroom.
Toriel: "Is something wrong?"
Kris: "No, I'm fine, Mom. I just wanted to tell you..."
Kris told Toriel Susie's story.
They came out of the bathroom.
Susie: "Kris, how are you feeling?"
Toriel: "Oh, nothing serious—probably just didn't rest well."
"...Susie, would you mind if we had dinner at your place? Since it's almost evening. I'll pay for the groceries."
Susie: "Ah... of course I don't mind... I'd be happy to... It's just... our kitchen is barely used—the wiring might be old."
Toriel: "Don't worry. I have my ways."
"I'll go to the store first. Wait for me to come back, okay?"
Toriel went out.
Susie: "What were you two doing in the bathroom so long? I vaguely heard you telling Toriel about... a little white rabbit... Never Go Home Tonight..."
Susie realized.
"Kris..."
"..."
"..."
"You're always good at delivering gentle blows from behind, aren't you..."
"No matter what—I'll always be your friend."
Toriel came back—with a lot of stuff...
100% Apple Juice, 100% Tropical Fruit Blend
Self-heating Beef Wellington, Self-heating Orleans Roasted Wings, Pizza...
She bought enough for ten people, not three.
Susie: "Teacher Toriel, you... we can't eat all this."
"Strong girls need to eat more meat!"
Toriel put the extra food into Susie's fridge.
Susie: "Th-thank you all..."
Kris: "A rare Susie choked up—I'm taking a picture!"
Susie: "...What are you doing! ...Fine, take your picture. Hmph."
At the table.
Susie: "Oh my god—nobody ever told me Beef Wellington tasted like this! And the tropical fruit juice is a million times better than Coke! This is perfect!"
Kris was too busy eating to talk—adorable.
Toriel: "Haha, I'm glad you like it. Kris is eating so well too! I'm going to take a picture of you two eating so seriously!"
They shared all kinds of happy experiences at the table—King's humor, Ralsei's blushing... But after happy topics always comes silence, unless someone starts a heavier conversation.
Kris spoke first—a rare occasion.
"Do you want to know... why the Knight always locks me in solitary?"
Susie and Toriel's expressions became more reserved.
"Child, you don't have to say it if you don't want to."
"Actually... I think at this point, it's okay to say it."
Kris began to recall and recount.
"Why am I always so strange..."
"Why do I need Dad so much... even though Mom loves me too..."
"Why has no one ever seen what I love..."
"Why is it so hard for me to even say 'I'm your friend' to Noelle!"
"Why can I never learn grammar!"
He tossed and turned in bed.
??? : "I know."
Kris: "Who?!"
"Do you want a perfect life—one where you're seen as 'correct'? Do you want your mom to stop worrying about you?"
"Of course I do..."
"Good! Just focus your will and stab the earth—and you can create your own world!"
"Focus my will... stab... the earth?"
"Yes! And listen—later you'll meet two companions—one fierce, one gentle. On the night after the second day ends, focus your will, stab the earth, create your world, and follow my instructions. Don't defy the world and rules I create—and you'll have that life!"
"But... how do I trust you? You don't even have a form!"
"Believe me or not—it's up to you. Or you can keep living your life the way it is."
Kris thought for a moment.
"...Fine. I agree."
"That's right!"
Kris obtained a knife.
"Remember—on the night after the second day ends, take this knife, focus your will, and stab the earth!"
Then that voice disappeared.
Kris: "After that... I often took out my soul at night. On one side were my teammates who loved me—Susie and Ralsei, so sincere and accepting. On the other side was the Knight's temptation. I thought about it for a long time—and when I got sick of thinking, I'd take out my soul. I just wanted some peace. To stop thinking for a while, do what I wanted, and then come back to the contradiction."
...
Kris: "Now I understand. I never needed to prove anything—I just need to prove I'm me. That's what Susie and Ralsei told me."
Susie: "Hey... if you ever really turned into the 'correct' version of yourself... I'd seriously beat you up."
"But—I'm glad you finally realized all this. And the info you gave us... is pretty important."
Toriel: "Just being able to express it is already amazing, my child. Don't feel guilty about it—just like you taught Mom, okay?"
Kris: "Of course, Mom."
Toriel: "Susie, you said this info is important—does that mean you can gradually piece together this story now?"
Susie: "Yeah, probably. Let me tell you our experiences, and we'll figure this out together."
Susie recounted her experiences with Kris and Ralsei.
Susie: "Okay—all the clues are there. What do you think is the core question?"
Kris: "A lot of the Knight's actions seem... targeted at me?"
Susie: "Exactly. That's the problem. Even if you didn't help him, he could just ignore you—why go through all the trouble to create a world just to hurt the people around you? What's the point?"
Kris: "That... I don't know either."
Toriel: "Kris, think carefully—after you came to our family, did you meet anyone else?"
Kris: "I haven't met anyone outside of the people we already know."
Susie: "Could the Knight be Dess? No—impossible. Why would Dess treat Kris like this? And Dess is a victim too!"
Susie: "Looks like we can't figure it out that way. But all of the Knight's actions seem aimed at hurting you and those around you, Kris. We just don't know who he is or why. None of the people we know have a clear motive."
Kris: "Then we can look at the Knight's pattern of behavior."
Susie: "Right. First point:"
"'The night after the second day ends—stab the earth.'"
"So the TV world was created by you?"
Kris: "Yes."
Susie: "Why would he have you create a Fountain? He could do it himself, right?"
Kris: "Maybe if he created it himself, we wouldn't find it?"
Susie: "No—he could've just made the Fountain right in Toriel's house. Wouldn't we have found it then?"
Toriel: "Maybe he couldn't create the TV world himself?"
Susie: "That's possible, but we don't have solid evidence. Let's put that aside—what was the Knight's purpose in creating the TV world?"
Kris: "Let me think... The Knight might not know if we'd obediently jump into Dark Worlds on our own—he doesn't know us. He designed the TV world to make us rescue Mom—that was our main quest. To reinforce the danger of the Dark World, he had us fight him at the end as a warning—showing us he's dangerous, and that Mom is in danger too."
Susie: "Oh! I get it! Then after discovering the Dark World in the auditorium—"
Kris: "We'd naturally think Mom is still inside, and the Knight took her again—making us even more certain to jump into the Dark World!"
Susie: "So why does he want us to jump into Dark Worlds?"
Kris: "Maybe to show us the prophecy and crush our confidence."
Susie: "Makes sense. We still don't know why he does it, but at least the logic is consistent. So that line of reasoning works. Next—'your existence should be enough...'"
Kris: "Should be 'enough to hurt me.'"
Susie: "Huh?"
Kris: "Think about it—after Dess disappeared, my dad lost his job and got divorced. I was hurt. At the time, Dess was the only one alone—so the Knight could only take her."
"If he took someone else—Noelle, my parents, my brother—it'd hurt me more directly. But they weren't alone. The Knight might not have been able to."
Susie: "Yeah, that makes sense. It matches his behavior and goals too."
Kris: "Then there's the prophecy. How did he know about it?"
Susie: "Actually... except for the last page, most of the prophecy was things we'd already been through. That's why we believed it, right?"
Kris: "Exactly! So—the last page!"
Susie: "Probably made up just to scare us. Exponential explosion? Give me a break!"
Kris: "Yes! So—we have complete hope!"
Susie: "Of course!"
Kris: "So all the questions lead to one final question—"
Susie: "What is the Knight's real motive?"
Kris: "What kind of power does the Knight have?"
They spoke in unison:
"Who is the Knight, really?"
"..."
The moment the words left their mouths—a voice came.
"Papyrus..."
"Asgore..."
"They both failed..."
"Then..."
"I'll have to step in myself..."
Susie: "It's the Knight! Let's go outside!"
They left Susie's house.
The long night—dark and windy. The Knight stood in the center of town.
The Knight raised his long blade.
"Seven fountains gather,"
"Create darkness together,"
"All beings suffer,"
"The earth shall fall."
In an instant—the school (the beginning), the library (the Cyber World), Toriel's house (the TV world), the church (the prophecy), Asgore's house, Susie's house, and the town center...
All activated—erupting with gushing, dark and eerie fountains, glowing in black-and-blue light, reflecting the Knight's terrifying grin...
Chapter 6 end
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Deltarune Chapters 7: A Gentle, Idealized Ending in My Imagination
Under the pitch-black sky, the moonlight was gone.
In the warm little town, voices buzzed with chaos.
At the very center of the town, the Knight laughed maniacally.
All that remained... were three bewildered faces.
The Knight suddenly stopped laughing, and in a voice that was almost deranged, terrifying, and furious, he roared—
"KRIS!!!!"
"WHY DO YOU KEEP GETTING BETTER?!!!!!"
"I WILL MAKE YOU..."
"PAY THE PRICE!!!!!!!"
"YOU WILL SUFFER FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
A gust of wind howled past, followed by the screams of the townsfolk. They were all pulled into the Dark World.
Susie: "..."
"Hey. Relax."
"At least our guess was right—he did all this for you."
Kris: "...Yeah."
The three of you were also pulled into the Dark World.
You arrived at the world corresponding to the center of the castle.
A world of only black and white—with black taking up the vast majority.
A massive prison.
Every cell held a town resident.
Ralsei ran over crying.
"Kris... Susie... Castle Town... is destroyed... completely destroyed..."
"Lancer, the King, Queen, Tenna, old man Gerson—all gone..."
He didn't notice the stone under his feet and tripped.
"I'm so useless... I couldn't even protect a single Castle Town... Kris... I want... I want to stay with you so badly..."
Kris: "You're already with us, Ralsei. You're not useless."
"You showed someone that being 'weird' can be accepted."
Susie: "He's right."
"No matter what—we're together."
Knight: "Hahahaha... hahahahaha!!!!!"
"Keep lying to yourselves—how entertaining!!!!"
"Look around you!!!"
Every cell lit up. One of them held your family.
You also saw Dess and Undyne.
They were all unconscious.
"Perfect... the final nightmare..."
"Finally beginning!!!"
Susie: "STOP!!!"
Knight: "???"
Susie: "If you're going to torment us, that means we're enemies."
"But—since we're enemies anyway, why not tell us why you're tormenting Kris? What did he ever do to you? Even if you want to kill us, at least let us die knowing why. Although..."
"We'll crush you into dust in the end."
Knight: "Interesting... I won't tell you. I'll make him remember who I am through excruciating pain. And before that..."
"A nightmare is perfect."
Susie: "Even your evil is this rigid and indirect—you call yourself a villain? Fine, do whatever you want. But let me tell you this—"
"Not speaking clearly, hurting Kris, hurting the people around me..."
"Each one of those pisses me off the most."
"You'd better make sure you don't die too horribly later."
Knight: "Don't be so cocky, you friendless anomaly."
"You two—one nobody cares about, one nobody sees—just pure pathetic creatures."
"And you're playing heroes?"
"Who... did you say..."
"Nobody cares?!?!?!"
"I CARE!!!!!!"
Susie: "R-Ralsei?!"
Ralsei shouted at the top of his lungs, tears in his eyes. Even so, it still wasn't that loud.
But what awaited Ralsei was a barrage of the Knight's attacks.
Ralsei fell.
Susie immediately threw a Scarlet Ripper at the Knight, and Kris attacked directly too—but they couldn't hit him.
Knight: "A bunch of morons."
"Keep deluding yourselves with your so-called kindness."
The Knight swung his longsword, focused his will, and stabbed it into the earth.
The seven Fountains connected to each other...
The three of you were swept away by an overwhelming force...
The game screen closed.
When you opened the game again.
...Long, long ago, a legend was whispered in the shadows.
A legend of despair. A legend of disillusionment.
A legend of extinction. A legend of darkness.
This is the legend known as [DELTARUNE].
Over thousands of years...
Light and Dark harmonized, bringing peace to this world.
But if that peace were broken...
A terrible disaster would come.
The dim sky, light no more,
In fear, the earth crumbles.
Then, the earth will be utterly destroyed.
But three heroes appear at the world's end.
A human, a monster, and the Dark Prince.
Only they can seal the Fountains and destroy the [ANGEL'S HEAVEN].
However... the three of them can only watch the Fountains split endlessly and die in despair.
This is the fate of this world.
Even you, before the screen, are not spared.
You opened your eyes and saw nothing but endless yellow light and oppressive, cramped white walls. The hallway was narrow, as if you couldn't breathe.
Susie: "What the hell is this place?!"
Ralsei: "I... feel so awful..."
Kris: "The Backrooms."
Susie: "What? Kris, what did you just say?"
Kris: "I played this before. Looks like the Knight clipped us into the Backrooms."
Ralsei: "The Backrooms...? What's that? It feels so suffocating..."
Kris: "Suffocating is right. Simply put, the Backrooms are when you fall out of normal reality into an endless, hostile, unknown maze made of outdated indoor spaces."
Susie: "A maze? But there's only one path here?"
Kris: "Let's keep walking. I think there's more ahead."
At that moment, a line of text appeared on the screen.
LEVEL 0
Ralsei: "What... does that mean?"
Kris: "Don't worry. It means we're safe for now. But the Knight might make it harder."
Ralsei: "I... I'm so scared..."
Kris stopped.
"I've been waiting for you to say that."
"You finally voiced your true feelings."
"Come on—Susie, you take the rear. Let Ralsei go in the middle. We'll protect him together."
Susie: "Fine... after all, even heroes can't resist a pretty face."
Ralsei carefully stepped forward, his cheeks flushed pink.
Susie: "Since things are light for once, why don't you tell Ralsei about you and the Knight, and our deductions?"
Kris: "...Sure."
Kris told Ralsei about his dealings with the Knight and their conclusions.
Ralsei: "...Kris, you... are so brave. If it were me... I think I might have done something cowardly."
Kris: "Your 'I'm so scared' and your shout at the Knight already prove you'd do the same as me. You never need to sell yourself short."
Ralsei: "...Thank you, Kris."
Susie: "Hey—do you think our deductions are accurate?"
Ralsei: "..."
"..."
"Pretty accurate, haha. We'll definitely be fine."
Susie: "Great! I knew it!"
You kept walking.
The walls began to tremble slightly. The lights started flickering.
The number above turned into LEVEL 1.
Kris: "Be careful. The level went up, but it's not a big deal—just watch your surroundings."
As you walked, the wall on the left began to collapse, revealing a left turn.
Susie: "Which way... should we go...?"
Ralsei gripped Kris's clothes tightly.
Kris: "Usually that's a trap. Better to go straight."
Suddenly, the path ahead began to shake violently, the lights flickering rapidly—then everything stopped. But the lights turned red, making the original path even more oppressive.
Ralsei forced back his tears.
Kris looked ahead. A shadow... growing larger.
Then he looked at the level—
LEVEL !
"RUN!!!!!!!! HEAD LEFT!!!!!!!!!!"
Without hesitation, they turned left.
Susie: "Kris, what the hell?!"
Kris: "This is LEVEL ! mode—you have to run fast! Never look back!!!!!! No—I can't talk—I'm losing breath!!!"
Kris felt Ralsei's stamina giving out.
He grabbed Ralsei's scarf and ran.
There were coins ahead. A prompt appeared.
"Collect all coins to disable LEVEL ! mode."
"Chaser: Nightmare Lancer."
Susie: "Damn..."
You had to collect all coins as fast as possible. Being caught by Nightmare Lancer meant an instant party wipe, sending you back to the left turn. Repeat until all coins were collected.
After collecting them all...
The chaser stopped.
Kris covered Ralsei's eyes. Tears were still streaming down.
Kris: "You're about to see Chaser Lancer. Remember—he's not the real Lancer! Be prepared!"
Ralsei: "...Okay."
Before you stood Lancer—eyes completely red, body shrouded in darkness.
They defeated Nightmare Lancer.
Lancer returned to normal.
Lancer: "Oh... Susie! And Kris and Toothpaste Boy! How did you end up in this weird place?!"
Susie: "What? We should be asking you that! You just went crazy—eyes blood red, trying to take us out!"
Lancer: "What? I don't know! Oh! I remember our town was destroyed! Then I blacked out, and then... I ended up here?"
Kris: "Looks like the Knight's trick... turning everyone close to us into nightmare mode to attack us."
Susie: "Then that's nothing! Once they're back to normal, they're still them! And our team's getting bigger!"
Kris: "Makes sense. This Knight is pretty lame!"
Suddenly, Lancer coughed up blood.
Susie: "LANCER!!!!!! What's wrong!!!!!!"
Lancer: "Looks like the Knight is more brutal than we thought, folks..."
Lancer: "After recovering... I can only last so long... In a little while, we... will still die..."
The three of them froze, not knowing what to say.
Lancer: "Susie."
"Promise me one thing."
"Never give up."
"Don't grieve over anyone's death—including mine."
"Keep going."
"You three are the last hope... of the Dark World and the Light World..."
Lancer turned into a wisp of smoke.
Susie: "..."
"Why..."
She saw Kris standing silent beside her, and her anger flared.
She pinned Kris against the wall.
"You bastard..."
"What the hell were you thinking!!!"
"It's all because of you!!! You insisted on fighting! And Lancer died by our hands! I'd rather it have been me, you know that!!!!!!"
Kris: "Then go ahead."
"Now you're playing Monday morning quarterback."
"Are you saying we should both go die with you, let Nightmare Lancer live, let the Fountains destroy every world, and then you'd be happy?"
"Do you think that's the ending Lancer wanted? Oh—watching us die for him, destroying the world—oh, he's so moved! Is that it?"
"If that's not it—shut up."
BAM!
She punched him.
Kris held his face.
Then he walked forward alone, leaving Susie and Ralsei behind.
Ralsei: "S-Susie... are you okay...?"
"I understand how you feel... watching a friend die by your own hands... anyone would be sad... But... I think Kris has a point. He just... said it too sharply."
"If you were Lancer, you wouldn't want us to die because of you either... Lancer was admirable. So shouldn't we... keep going, to honor what he gave us?"
Susie: "..."
"Just because I hit him doesn't mean I don't think he's right."
"Lancer... was my best friend... I mean... let's go."
Now you control Susie's movement.
On the LEVEL 1 path:
Susie: "Hm... would you mind if I asked a question?"
Ralsei: "Of course."
Susie: "I really don't want to ask this, but I genuinely want to know."
"In the Light World—what do you actually correspond to..."
Ralsei: "Ah... it's okay. I mean, it's just an objective fact."
"I don't correspond to any actual entity in the Light World. I don't know why—maybe that's why I can travel between Dark Worlds? Actually, I correspond to a dream. I don't know whose dream, but I was born as a little prince. Even without subjects..."
"But I don't know why—whenever I see Kris... I feel a natural closeness? Not that you're not great! It's just... you know... you're more like an indispensable best friend, while he... seems a bit like... a lover? I feel like that's weird, but it's real. But one thing's certain—you're both equally important to me."
Susie: "...I understand. You don't need to explain so much. And honestly—I think Kris feels the same way about you? With me it's more like 'bros'? Probably."
They saw Kris ahead, his back to them... he hadn't noticed them, wiping tears by himself.
An arm landed on Kris's shoulder—heavy, but gentle.
"Hey. What I did earlier... was wrong."
"I think... you were right. Lancer would definitely want us to keep going."
Susie seemed to be forcing something back, but she couldn't say it.
"...If you want—hit me back. As hard as you want."
Kris turned around, his eyes red.
Kris extended his fist.
Then slowly rested it on her shoulder.
"Let me translate what you just said."
"'I'm sorry.'"
"There. Now we're even."
"Honestly—that punch you gave me didn't really matter."
"What matters is—you're still going."
"That's the best apology. And the best apology to Lancer."
Now you control Kris's movement again. Susie was in the back, Ralsei in the middle.
Ralsei's inner thoughts: Oh my god—Kris was so cool just now! I don't know how much longer I can hold out!
Suddenly, Kris stopped.
Kris: "...Tell you what."
"I think the Knight will keep making us kill people close to us. The King, the Queen, Tenna, even... old man Gerson, my dad, Papyrus..."
"If any of you can't go through with it—tap me."
"And... if any of you—including me—forgets who they are while killing someone... or goes numb..."
"Say it. I'll have the other two beat you—or me—up. Maybe then you—or I—will remember."
Ahead, another turn. Another shadow.
Kris: "RUN!!"
They ran inside, but it was still LEVEL 1, and the lights hadn't changed.
"What are you running from?! It's me! Kris!"
Kris: "Ignore her—nightmares pretend to be friendly."
"You once pretended to be a strawberry cake for me! Don't you remember!"
Kris slammed on the brakes and stopped.
Susie and Ralsei fell over from the momentum, but they understood why Kris stopped.
Noelle ran over.
Kris pointed his sword at Noelle.
"I'm going to ask you a few questions. Answer cleanly. Don't let me catch any slip-ups."
"Who's your sister? What day did she go missing?"
"Dess—December 25th."
"What did your dad take us to do that day? Why did I pass out?"
"He took us for tea—you passed out because you ordered a Long Island Iced Tea."
"What time did you leave my mom's house that night? What did my mom make for you?"
"11:47 PM. Your mom made me strawberry butterscotch-cinnamon pie."
Kris gradually lowered his sword.
Kris: "Sorry. I have to protect my team. Please understand."
Noelle: "I understand. You must have run into a nightmare just now."
Kris: "So... you..."
Noelle: "Yes. I just defeated Nightmare Queen."
"I realized if I didn't attack... I'd just die over and over, reset..."
"Only by defeating the Nightmare Queen could I move forward... but I really didn't want to..."
Noelle started wiping tears.
"The thing is... after defeating the Nightmare Queen... she returned to normal... but only temporarily. She still died in the end."
"Back then, the Queen said..."
Queen: "Noelle... my... sweetheart... little chubby..."
"My program... is already broken..."
"Probably... permanently unrepairable."
"But... you never did anything wrong..."
"As a monster... compared to a machine... you have something I absolutely don't... something that will ultimately make you freer than us..."
"That's a soul."
"Be free for me..."
"Don't... let the Knight... win."
"Thank you, Noelle."
"My... sweetheart... little..."
The Queen had stopped functioning.
...
Noelle was crying uncontrollably.
Susie: "I understand you."
Ralsei: "S-Susie?"
Susie: "I know that feeling."
"I just also—"
"If... you don't mind... you can stand in front of me. I want to protect you."
Noelle heard Susie's words and looked at her quietly. She wanted to say something, but couldn't. Looked like she needed a Golden Translator too.
Kris: "Let me translate for you too."
"Okay—'Thank you, Susie. You're so brave.'"
Noelle quietly walked in front of Susie, her back to her.
"Thank you, Susie... Kris... that translation was..."
Kris: "Very accurate."
Noelle joined the team. Now the order was: Kris, Ralsei, Noelle, Susie.
On the road.
Susie: "Noelle—Kris mentioned some plan the team agreed on... about what to do if we can't go through with it or forget ourselves. I think I should tell you."
Susie told Noelle about Kris's agreement.
Noelle: "Ah... no problem."
Noelle's inner thoughts: When did Kris get so good at expressing himself?! Oh my god—is this even Kris?! And why can't I even say a full sentence to Susie?! No—I need to find a topic and practice!
Noelle: "S-Susie... would you mind telling me... what you just went through? I mean—if it's too heavy, don't take what I said seriously!"
Noelle's inner thoughts: Noelle—what a stupid question!
Susie: "Hm... okay. You don't have to worry—I need to face it."
Susie told Noelle what they'd just been through.
After hearing it, Noelle couldn't hold back—she hugged Susie.
Kris wisely stopped walking.
"This isn't your fault."
"You and I—we both did what we could. You're brave, right?"
Susie was unusually at a loss for words.
Susie's inner thoughts: Damn... what is this...?! What am I supposed to say?!
"...Yeah?"
Noelle realized what she'd just done and turned away.
"Th-that's great."
They kept walking.
They felt that... even so... they could still be determined enough to save the world... But... could that so-called determination really withstand the agony of heartbreaking partings?
They defeated the King.
King: "Now... I can finally say this."
"In the past, Lightners and Darkners lived in harmony..."
"I really miss those days."
"Lightners... in you all, I see something more precious... I think I was completely wrong before. So... don't feel guilty for killing me... If I have one last request..."
"Don't let the Knight win."
"Live on for me."
They defeated Tenna.
Tenna: "I've been... seeking recognition from others all along—wanting to be seen, right..."
"But now... I've done the most recognized, most visible thing."
"Using my life... to buy a new world..."
"So... Kris... thank you for creating me."
"To fulfill my... final wish..."
"On the list of those who saved the world—write Tenna's name..."
"Please... you must survive..."
"Defeat the Knight—create a new world."
"My name? Forget it."
"What I did—is my name."
"Live on for me."
They defeated Gerson—Hammer of Justice. Susie tapped Kris's shoulder.
Gerson—Hammer of Justice:
"Hoh! That purple girl! You've come a long way!"
Susie: "But... I didn't do anything."
"But you learned love and protection—not solving everything with violence. Isn't that a huge improvement?"
Susie's eyes reddened.
"Come on—why cry for an old man like me... Aren't you the bravest? Remember—while holding love and protection, keep going. You're different from that Knight—turn your strength into a tool to protect them, and the determination to keep going."
"You've graduated. You did well."
"Live on for me."
They defeated Dess. Noelle tapped Kris.
Dess: "Oh... little Kris! You've grown up! And you protected your little sister—I'm so proud of you! Little sis! Long time no see! You've gotten so tall! Have you been good at home? Are Mom and Dad okay?"
Noelle: "Sis... I... I missed you so much... I... really... so..."
She was crying too hard to speak.
Dess tried to steady herself with a smile.
Dess: "Ha... little sis... I missed you too... In our last moments... can you smile for your big sister?"
Noelle forced a smile.
"I knew Noelle was the best!"
"..."
Dess finally couldn't hold it together anymore.
"Why can't I think of anything to say—wasting time like this!!! We have so little time left!!! Noelle... Big Sis loves you so much... loves you all... I don't want... I don't want to leave like this..."
Ralsei wiped his tears, stepped forward, and gently touched Dess.
Ralsei: "You never have to worry about wasting time... as long as you're here... not a single second is wasted..."
Dess: "Thank you... please... make sure Noelle survives... and you survive too..."
"Live on for me."
They defeated Papyrus. Kris tapped himself.
Since Papyrus had been brought back to the Dark World shortly after being freed, he had even less time.
Papyrus: "Kris... can you hear me..."
"I finally got my teaching license back... thanks to you!"
"...Even though I just got it."
"Remember—no matter what—you'll always be the best. Papyrus will always trust and support you!"
"You don't need to live on for me..."
"Live on for yourselves..."
Kris couldn't say anything at that moment.
They defeated Asgore. Kris tapped himself.
Same as above—Asgore had even less time.
"Kris... son... your mom told me about your story in the other Dark World..."
"There's one thing—your mom and I said it together before I left."
"Kris... you are Mom and Dad's pride."
"You don't need to live on for anyone else... just follow what's in your heart."
"No matter what... Dad... Mom... forever..."
"Love you."
They died one by one...
Suddenly... a door appeared ahead, leading outside. It seemed walking through it would get them out of the Backrooms.
They were about to go.
"W-wait..."
"I... I... don't want to go forward anymore... or... I want to stay here for a while..."
Susie: "Ralsei—what the hell are you doing?!"
Ralsei: "I'm sorry... I... I'm so scared..."
Susie: "Hah—is that so... Fine. Remember what Kris said?"
Susie pulled out her axe.
"You'll understand in a moment."
Susie slashed Ralsei—the first strike.
"You'll understand soon enough. Remember who you are."
Ralsei stood still.
Second strike.
"Now you're scared? Then what was all their deaths for?"
Ralsei started crying.
Third strike.
"Enough."
Kris grabbed the axe Susie was holding and flung it out into the outside world.
Susie: "...Kris... you..."
"I get it. You need a taste of it too, don't you."
Kris ignored her. He walked up to Ralsei and offered him a hand.
"Talk."
"What's wrong with our deduction?"
Susie: "He said there was nothing wrong with it! What are you doing?!"
"When he said 'nothing wrong,' Ralsei paused for a long time. Didn't you notice?"
Susie realized something.
"I... I'll shut up."
Ralsei: "The earlier parts—I don't know, they seemed fine..."
"But after that..."
"That prophecy wasn't generated after you experienced the first three worlds... It was there from the very beginning—and never changed."
"I knew the full prophecy from the start... I just... chose not to believe it—or to see if it would change...? But..."
Ralsei began to sob.
"It never changed—from beginning to end..."
Kris and Susie fell silent. Susie lowered her head.
Kris hugged Ralsei.
"Wouldn't it have been better to tell us sooner... Why did you carry it alone for so long..."
Ralsei's tears burst forth.
"I just... just... didn't... want... you..."
"You've both lost people you care about along the way..."
"I don't want..."
"Don't... want..."
"Don't... want... any—"
Kris stroked Ralsei's fluffy, tear-soaked wool.
"Okay."
"We understand."
"Even... even if this prophecy can't be changed..."
"You've already done the greatest thing."
"Making a girl who didn't want to believe in love believe again—and letting me stand here to comfort you."
Susie rarely blushed.
Ralsei suddenly remembered something and tried to compose himself.
"Th-thank you... Kris... I'm sorry—I forgot one more thing."
"That prophecy has a back side."
"The back side says: To break free from the prophecy's chains, you must find a way to shatter its shackles."
"But I've tried everything—loving everyone, not using violence to solve problems—and the prophecy still hasn't changed..."
Susie: "Wait... there's actually that line?"
Kris: "Hm... if that's the case, it means it's not hopeless, right?"
"It's just that you've been facing this alone all along, Ralsei."
"I think... if the three of us join forces..."
Susie: "There's definitely still a chance to turn this around!"
Kris: "Exactly! Ralsei—cheer up! You never have to carry everything alone! We're always with you!"
Ralsei looked up at Kris and Susie—smiling, determined.
"Yeah!"
The three of them held hands and walked toward the exit.
Susie: "Wait—where's Noelle?!"
Kris: "Damn—I forgot about her!"
"Let's hurry!"
They walked out of the Backrooms.
You arrived back at the great prison.
In the center hung a cage—inside was Noelle.
Miraculously—Lancer, the King, the Queen, Tenna, Gerson, Asgore, Papyrus, and Dess were all still alive—just locked in cages and unconscious.
Knight: "How does it feel... killing the ones you love with your own hands! Don't worry—they're not really dead—they're still alive. But in the end, they'll die with you anyway! Kris—do you remember who I am now?"
Kris remained silent.
Knight: "Interesting... after living in this town full of monsters for so long... you still don't remember?"
Knight: "Then... you..."
"Charis."
"..."
"Is that you?"
Susie: "What? Charis? There's no one named Charis in our town!"
Kris: "Remember the question you asked me that day?"
"Why am I the only human in town?"
CHAPTER 7 (First Half)
Ten years ago...
Human Town.
Sarah: "Director Jason—two poor children lost their parents in a car accident. They're being sent to our orphanage!"
Jason: "Oh dear... we're completely full... We should put out more adoption requests! Those little cuties can't be left alone! Post the adoption invitations online right away! Please!"
Sarah: "Got it, Director."
Jason: "What are the children's names?"
"One is Kris, the other is Charis. Last name Dreamurr."
Jason: "Alright. Go handle it."
Sarah sent out the invitations.
Sarah: "Huh? Didn't I just press send? Why do I have to press it again? Whatever—maybe the computer's lagging."
Ten years ago—Toriel's house.
Asriel: "Mom~ I want a little brother or sister~"
Toriel: "Help... this kid has asked me dozens of times already..."
Asgore: "Looks like he really needs a companion, haha. And weren't you thinking of having another anyway?"
Toriel: "True—but this little one is so demanding... I feel like he'll burst if he doesn't get a sibling..."
Toriel: "Hm... can you tell Mom you'll take good care of him/her?"
"Of course! I'll be the best big brother ever!"
Asgore: "Haha—it's really rare for a kid to have such a sense of responsibility! Just like his dream."
At that moment, a broadcast appeared on TV.
"Here are two children who lost their parents. Our orphanage is at full capacity, so we invite willing families to adopt them! We'll be endlessly grateful for your kindness! If interested, please call 12250117—0123."
Below were photos of two human children.
Kris Dreamurr
Charis Dreamurr
Asriel's eyes lit up immediately.
"Mom!!! Mom!!!! This Kris is so cute!!!!!! I want to be his big brother!!!!!!"
Toriel looked at the TV.
"H-Humans?"
"Why would a human adoption invitation be sent to a monster town..."
Meanwhile, in the Human Town—
Jason: "Sarah! How did your invitation end up in a monster town?!"
Sarah: "...What? Damn—I sent two copies...?"
Jason: "Sigh—well, the law does say monster families with children can adopt humans... If there's a willing, qualified monster family and the child agrees, it's allowed."
Asgore: "Was this sent by mistake?"
Toriel: "But... this child is so cute! And if the orphanage is full... the poor little one might... No—I need to call them!"
Ring ring ring...
"Hello! This is Toriel! I'm from the monster town—but we'd like to adopt that human child. I saw your invitation—was it sent by mistake? No? ...Alright, great. Yes, we already have one child. Okay, address is... got it."
"Looks like that orphanage is serious."
"What do you think, dear?"
Asgore: "I think... having a human baby would be awesome! He might be lonely at first, but we'll love him so much—under our care, he'll definitely fall in love with this place!"
Toriel: "Then it's settled! I'll buy some human parenting guides—we'll leave tomorrow!"
Asriel: "YAY!!!!!! Mom, Dad—I love you guys so much!!!!!!!"
Toriel: "But... the orphanage said they'd rather let the child choose—so if Kris doesn't want to come..."
Asriel: "Charis is fine too! He's also cute! But please—don't let both of them say no! Please!"
At the orphanage.
Jason: "How's it going?"
Sarah: "Good news, sir! One human family and one monster family! They're both coming tomorrow!"
Jason: "Then... the children will have to choose. But it's always good that someone's willing to take them."
The next day.
Jason: "Children—God bless you. Two families are willing to take you in. Please let them introduce themselves."
Toriel gave their family introduction.
Green: "My wife can't bear children, but we want one to keep her company in the future. We're a human family with very strong finances—wealthy, to put it simply. If the children come to us, we guarantee a very good life."
Jason: "Alright, children—please make your choice."
Charis: "I want to go with the Green family."
Jason: "Alright, child. God bless you."
Kris was still hesitating.
Charis: "Kris—what are you hesitating for? They're not that wealthy, they already have a kid, and they're a monster family—do you really think that's better?"
Jason: "Oh—let him make his own choice, okay?"
Kris was still deciding.
Suddenly—he saw Toriel and Asgore's kind smiles, and Asriel's face—about to cry from anxiety.
"I want to go with Toriel's family."
Asriel knew he couldn't yell, so he spun around in silent joy.
Charis: "You're really... choosing them?"
"Fine—I already told you. I'll miss you, Kris."
Jason: "Alright, child. God bless you."
Kris: "I know who you are."
"You're..."
"Charis·Dreamurr."
"CHARARIS·DREAMURR."
Charis: "Hahaha... Kris... you still haven't forgotten me..."
Susie: "So you're just Kris's brother? Then why torment him like this?"
Charis: "Torment him?"
"I'm just taking back what's mine!"
Two years after being adopted...
Charis was eating leftover scraps with his hands.
Green: "Damn it—those debt collectors are here again."
"I'm telling you—just because you used to have money doesn't mean I'm scared of you! You owe every cent from gambling—pay it all back!"
Green: "N-no... I really... don't have any money right now..."
"Hah—no money? Then sell your house! Otherwise... your wife's reputation and yours... we can't guarantee they won't be ruined. After all—right now everyone still thinks you're a gentleman."
Green: "Please—sir—please..."
"...Sigh—fine."
"You don't have cameras in your house, right? What are you nervous for?! I'm not killing you—I'd go to prison for that!"
The debt collector entered the Green house.
They whispered something quietly, out of Charis's earshot.
"You have a kid, right? Sell him to me—and this debt is settled. We happen to need some illegal child labor. But if you ever say a word about this... you're dead."
Green: "Deal! Don't worry—I won't say a word!"
"Good. Here's sleeping pills. Mix them into that stupid kid's food. Once he's asleep, deliver him to... Got it?"
"Okay."
Charis: "That's how my 'dad' sold me off. There, I lived a life worse than death—no human rights, beaten if I slacked off even a little. Eventually, from an infected wound, I got very sick. They just dumped me in the wilderness to die."
"Just when I thought I was going to die—I suddenly passed out, and woke up in another world."
"Apparently—it was the Dark World."
"In this world, I discovered I had a special ability—I could see how people in the Light World lived. But I could only get to the Light World through a sealed Fountain when a Lightner sealed it."
"Then—I found you, Kris!"
"You had loving parents over there—a doting big brother—they bought you books, cooked for you, made you laugh! You had friends! Why?! Why did you choose right?! And I got this miserable life?! How does a single choice determine that I end up worse than you?!"
"I'm going to make your life as bad as mine! At the very least—I'll spice it up. I wanted to see if you could still do well under a bad script. So..."
Kris: "So—you kidnapped Dess, pushed Mom and Dad into divorce, took Papyrus and made him keep living in his 'mistake,' and used the same wrong methods to lead me astray? Actually—you could never give me that 'ideal life,' could you?"
"Absolutely correct. You're a smart kid."
"But after all this—why are you still fine?! It must be because I didn't destroy you thoroughly enough!! Those two idiots beside you should die too!! And not just them—everyone around you should die!!! That way—you'd have the same awful starting point as me!"
Susie: "The one who should die is you!! Your wrong choice has nothing to do with Kris! Using this to prove you're right?! You're more ridiculous than an ant! Your very existence is a sin. Listen—either I kill you, or you have some conscience and kill yourself. At least do some good before you die."
"Pretending not to hear... Fine—then you—"
Ralsei: "Why do you build your happiness on others' pain?! Kris is your brother! How could you do this?!"
"Shut up! You two clueless fools!"
Charis grew enraged.
"Now I get it—it's because of you two that Kris lasted this long. I made the wrong choice? I chose the right one! Only an idiot like Kris would be blind enough to pick that poor monster family—how was I supposed to know they'd be this good?! How was I supposed to know that bastard Green would do what he did two years later?! I was just unlucky—I never did anything wrong!"
Kris: "Wait—do you really think—"
"You never did anything wrong?"
"You think I can stand here today all because of Susie and Ralsei?"
"Let me ask you—if Susie was about to eat your face, what would you do? Scream for the teacher to expel her and mock her? If Ralsei cried and told you he was smiling, what would you do? Push him even harder to keep giving endlessly?"
"The truth is—we're all imperfect. But we all have one thing."
"The heart that still clumsily chooses to love and be loved—even at the risk of getting hurt."
"That's something you'll never understand—because you see life as a transaction. You don't believe anyone would genuinely be good to you. All you have left is a pitiful shell. So—I won't waste words on you. Let's fight."
Charis: "Don't joke around—someone being genuinely good to you?"
"..."
"Then why was I abandoned by Green?! Abused by them?!?!"
"Being born lucky is just being born lucky—stop making excuses!!?!?!"
"I hate people like you most—born lucky and acting high and mighty!!"
"You want to believe in all that crap—fine."
"Then prove it with your three 'loves'—beat me! Actually—that's impossible! My power far exceeds yours! But if you really want to prove your so-called beliefs... I'm game. If you somehow beat me—I'm curious to see what happens!"
Kris: "Sigh—so stubborn. Then... let's begin."
—Final Battle—
This seemed to be the end.
Charis·Dreamurr
HP: 200,000
Attacks:
· Instant damage: 500 HP
· Frame damage: 20 HP per frame, 480 HP per second
Kris:
· HP: 500
· Attack: 300 HP
· Scarlet Ripper (linked with Susie): 1,000 HP, 60% TP
Susie:
· HP: 600
· Normal Attack: 500 HP
· Rude Ripper: 700 HP, 50% TP
Ralsei:
· HP: 400
· Normal Attack: 200 HP
· Empowered Healing Prayer: restores 400 HP to each, 100% TP
Items:
· Shadow Kris Tea: restores 400 HP to Kris, or fully heals Susie or Ralsei.
· Shadow Susie Tea: restores 500 HP to Susie, or fully heals Kris or Ralsei.
· Shadow Ralsei Tea: restores 10 HP to Ralsei, or fully heals Kris or Susie + 10 extra HP.
· Each tea can be used 10 times.
Even so, this seemed like a battle destined to be lost.
All you could do was fight—no sparing.
You gave it everything you had, but to Charis it was just a drop in the bucket.
Charis prepared to release "Judgment Scale."
Bullet 1: A scale swinging violently up and down—one side held a smiling Toriel family, the other a miser. Dodge the scale's swings.
The scale swung faster and faster.
You were already low on HP.
But you still gave it everything.
Charis prepared to release "Nameless Tombstone."
Bullet 2: A spinning tombstone that chases you forever, getting faster and faster. This round is certain death—until you're completely wiped...
Your defeat... was inevitable.
Until all your HP hit 1.
Charis: "Any last words?"
"I told you—your kindness is worthless."
Susie wanted to stand up and hit him, but she didn't have the strength.
"Don't think I don't know how you got through the Backrooms! You killed everyone close to you to get through—you're no different from me!"
"Your so-called kindness is built on the bloodshed of those who love you!"
"Your hypocrisy is even worse than my pure evil!"
"Want to prove yourselves?"
"Prove it under my blade."
Charis swung his longsword.
Kris: "It's okay... at least we tried..."
Charis dealt the final blow.
...
However—you found your HP had increased by 4,000.
Just as you were confused—a voice came.
Lancer: "Looks like... the Knight's cage is really sturdy."
"Should be enough to stop you."
You were locked up.
Ralsei suddenly realized something, and then screamed heartbreakingly—
"NO!!!!!! DON'T USE THAT ABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"PLEASE!!!!!! NO!!!!!! DON'T!!!!!! DO!!!!!! THIS!!!!!!!"
You saw Lancer, Papyrus, Asgore, Dess, the King, the Queen, and Tenna standing in a row—their bodies beginning to turn transparent. Their HP added up to exactly 12,000.
Asgore: "I suggest... turning on the soundproofing."
Lancer: "Fine—one-way soundproofing. They can hear us—we can't hear them."
They could no longer hear the trio—only saw Ralsei say something to Susie and Kris, and the three of them screaming at the top of their lungs and pounding the walls.
They raised their hands in farewell to the trio.
Together they said:
"Don't be fooled by the Knight's words. You've always done the right thing."
"We're just going ahead—to see that world for you..."
"That world full of hope and dreams."
"No matter how many times—our choice remains the same."
"..."
"I love you all."
They turned into wisps of smoke...
The Knight fell silent.
"Impossible—how did they know about that? No—they did all know—but how could they do that?! The Dark World does have an HP exchange system—but it has to be all at once, and unless the prophecy is broken—they can never come back! How could they trust him with their HP?!"
Then—Charis realized he'd just revealed the mechanic.
And before him stood an army.
All the Dark World residents. And Toriel, Sans, Rudy, Asriel, Carol, Noelle, Undyne, Alphys, Berdly, the thug gang... and every Lightner you could think of.
A Darkner stepped forward.
"Your children are our children."
"Kill that monster Charis."
"Buy the three heroes as much time as possible!"
"We are united!!!"
"CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Charis: "A bunch of goddamn idiots!!!!! Idiots!!!!! I don't care anymore!!!!! Bring it on—I'll kill every last one of you!!!!!"
A Darkner sprayed black paint on the cage—Kris and the others... couldn't see.
+100
+100
+50
+1
+1
+100
+2
+200
"Kris... my child... Mom... will always love you..."
+500
"Kris... you'll always be your big brother's pride..."
+300
"GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A new female sheriff never backs down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
+400
"I can finally say it—Susie—I, Noelle—like you."
+100
"Kris—this is your group project—eternal A+."
+200
"Kris... looks like I don't have to write your English homework and group projects for a month."
+100
"My brother still died. But I still want to say—thank you."
+1
"Susie... Mom and Dad... don't deserve your sympathy... you'll always be the best..."
+100
+100
+100
"Girl—we finally meet. Once again—we see each other."
+100×5
...
The cage time ran out.
The cage was removed.
Kris:
· HP: 100,000
· Attack: 10,000
· Scarlet Ripper (linked with Susie): 30,000
Susie:
· HP: 100,100
· Attack: 12,000
· Rude Ripper: 20,000
Ralsei:
· HP: 99,900
· Attack: 8,000
· Healing Prayer: +300 to each—it didn't seem necessary.
Kris and Susie's tear tracks had dried.
Ralsei was still crying.
Kris: "Ralsei—drink something. Now."
"Too many tears and you'll get dehydrated."
"We need to be at our best to beat this guy."
Ralsei: "But—we only have—"
Susie: "WHO CARES WHAT'S THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"DRINK WHATEVER'S THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What do those three lousy teas matter now?!"
Ralsei drank all three Shadow Teas.
Kris: "Remember—we're not fighting alone now."
-12,000
-12,000
-12,000
Susie charged in and slashed Charis three times.
Susie: "Less talking—today I'm tearing him apart!!!!!!!"
Charis used healing—full HP.
Charis: "Interesting..."
"Even like this—you think you can beat me?!"
Kris: "It's not a thought—it's a fact."
Charis: "Fine..."
Charis began to evolve—it seemed this battle had a second phase.
Charis·Dreamurr MAX·NEO
HP: 400,000
Attack: 20,000
Frame damage: 1,000 per frame, 24,000 per second
All of his current bullet attacks were the attacks of those who had just died for them.
The King's spades—the Queen's acid—Tenna's stars—Asgore's badges—Papyrus's trigonometry...
Kris: "You're still trying to break me this way... I can only tell you—compared to your death, this doesn't matter."
You defeated Charis...
Charis: "Why—I had all that power—why am I still..."
"I won't accept this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Charis's obsession formed into a massive, black tangled mass.
"You..."
"Must die!!!!!!!!!!!!"
That tangled mass roared—it no longer seemed to have a human form.
Susie: "Damn—stubborn like a band-aid!"
Susie cursed directly.
Charis·Dreamurr—Final Form—Tangled Mass
HP: 1,000,000
Attack: 100,000
Loses revival opportunities, and attacks consume HP.
A hero who never gives up...?
That tangled mass used its own life to unleash a shockwave.
Each -100,000.
Charis's HP remaining: 700,000.
Kris and Ralsei fell. Susie had 100 HP left.
Susie had no strength left to attack.
Susie: "D-damn... I... I can't lose..."
Charis: "Why... why do you still have HP...?"
"W-H-Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
He swung his blade.
-10,000
...
But Susie was unharmed. She looked—the Hammer of Justice was already in her hands.
(If you successfully challenged the old man in Chapter 4, the Hammer of Justice goes directly to Susie; if not, it flies to her.)
Susie HP: 10,100
Gerson·Hammer of Justice: "Actually—there's one last passage in Warhammer King that I never told you. But I actually did tell you."
"Remember that letter I told you to memorize?"
"I never intended to show it to anyone. It was actually the final, hidden, standalone story of Warhammer King—and part of the prophecy."
"Do you remember what it said?"
Susie thought...
"When the world faces destruction... a female hero will arise in the Dark World."
"Only by combining the 'Hammer of Justice' with her weapon can the ultimate weapon be formed."
"The Axe of Justice."
"Its damage equals..."
"10,000 + 100,000 + ..."
"That female hero's determination."
Gerson·Hammer of Justice: "Exactly right—you remember well."
"Child... I believe... if that day truly comes..."
"You will become that hero."
"Now—defeat him."
Susie: "But old man—you..."
Gerson·Hammer of Justice: "Now's not the time to cry!"
"There are people behind you more worth protecting than this old man."
"I'm just going ahead... to see that world for you."
"Take care, child—you're my teacher now."
Gerson·Hammer of Justice gained eternal justice—and dissolved into the air...
Susie picked up the Hammer of Justice and combined it with her axe—
"The Axe of Justice."
Purple flames erupted from her entire body. Golden light gleamed in her eyes. Around her swirled the colorful aurora of the Dark World—it was her conviction.
That tangled mass recoiled in fear—because standing before it was—
Susie the Undying
"Die."
"Die right here—"
Susie leaped up, axe raised.
Charis: "No—this is impossible!!!!"
"A-X-E!!!!!!!"
"OF!!!!!!!!"
"JUSTICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Purple and golden light flooded the earth.
-699,900
Kris and Ralsei recovered.
But Susie collapsed.
Standing before them was Charis·Dreamurr—with only 100 HP left, and no attack power.
Charis didn't hesitate—he used his remaining 100 HP to generate a protective barrier, invincible for a limited time.
Kris's attack was blocked.
Charis: "You're in a hurry..."
Charis's voice became low and hoarse.
"Looks like the prophecy still can't be changed—I still have to give up my life after all..."
"Listen up—I'm the first to know the prophecy. That coward next to Kris—the prophecy he saw was released by me. I originally planned to defeat you with sheer intimidation. But you made it this far—impressive..."
"But don't think you'll get off easy. Want to know my final ability?"
"Remember what that prophecy said?"
"Exactly—with my final ability, I will die permanently—but I will also curse the Dark World with an inevitable end."
"See—there's only one Fountain now. The seven combined into one. After I use this ability—it will split—2, 4, 8, 16..."
"You might not know this—but anyone can seal a Fountain now. Not just Kris—that white-haired one can too."
Charis created a small Fountain.
"Try it, White Hair."
Ralsei tried—the Fountain was sealed.
"Right. So—either you seal all the Fountains immediately—and then the White Hair, me, and the Dark World all vanish—and Kris and that idiot survive. Or—you wait for the Fountains to keep splitting until even Kris and the Light World town disappear... Darkners and Lightners die together."
"Which will you choose?"
"I don't know. After I use this ability—I'll be gone forever."
"But... can your so-called kindness really last until the very end..."
Charis looked at Kris mockingly.
"This time—there are no resets, no reloads."
"I'm looking forward to seeing you survive, Kris."
He used his final strength. The barrier broke—and he died.
The Fountain would begin splitting in 10 minutes.
Kris and Ralsei stood there.
Ralsei was about to move.
Kris: "Hey... mind... talking for a bit?"
Ralsei said nothing—but he stopped.
Kris: "So this is what the prophecy meant..."
"Exponential explosion, suffering for all beings..."
Kris didn't say anything after that.
Ralsei had his back to him.
"I understand... you don't want to say what comes next—but the words won't disappear just because you don't say them..."
He turned around.
"Kris—you know what to do, don't you..."
Kris's last trace of relaxation faded. He just looked at Ralsei calmly—motionless.
Ralsei looked at the Fountain.
Then looked back at him.
"If we seal it now—it's not too late."
Kris just stood there silently—not moving.
Ralsei smiled—his smile glistening with tears.
"Kris—still the same. Not talking, not explaining—just... standing there."
He hugged Kris—for the last time. But Kris didn't look at him.
"Thank you, Kris."
"Meeting you was the luckiest thing in my life."
"I hope... in our next life—we can be together forever."
He turned around—and walked toward the Fountain.
Kris moved.
He grabbed his sword—faster than ever before—aimed at Ralsei—without hesitation—
RIP!
-99,899
Ralsei fell to his knees—only 1 HP left. He had lost the ability to seal the Fountain.
"K-Kris?"
Kris's hands were trembling.
"What... are you doing..."
Kris's voice was shaking too. Tears streamed down—but he finally couldn't hold back his emotions anymore.
"YOU THINK SACRIFICING YOURSELF FOR OUR LIVES—WE CAN JUST LIVE ON PEACEFULLY AFTER THAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ralsei opened his mouth—but no words came. Only a small, choked sob...
"I... I..."
Kris threw his sword aside—walked forward—knelt down—and lifted Ralsei into his arms.
He looked straight into Ralsei's eyes.
"LOOK AT ME."
Ralsei's tear-filled, glistening eyes looked back at Kris.
"YOU ARE YOURSELF—YOU'RE A LIVING PERSON! YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYONE—YOU DON'T NEED TO LEARN TO BAKE CAKES JUST FOR US—AND YOU DEFINITELY DON'T NEED TO MAKE YOUR OWN ROOM BARE JUST TO BUILD ROOMS FOR US! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Ralsei looked at him—his eyes soaked with tears. This was one of the few times he'd ever sobbed openly. He buried his face in Kris's chest—crying like a child finally allowed to cry.
"I... I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAS THE RIGHT THING..."
"I'M SO SCARED TOO... KRIS..."
"AFTER YOU LEAVE... I'M SO LONELY... KRIS..."
"AFTER YOU LEAVE... I MISS YOU SO MUCH... KRIS..."
"I DON'T WANT... I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOU... KRIS..."
"PLEASE... KRIS..."
"DON'T..."
"DON'T..."
"DON'T... LEAVE ME..."
"I REALLY..."
"REALLY..."
"LOVE YOU SO MUCH..."
"I WANT TO BE WITH YOU AND SUSIE FOREVER..."
"I WANT TO GO TO THE FESTIVAL WITH YOU..."
Kris just held him—saying nothing. But he held on firmly.
While Ralsei cried in Kris's arms... the Fountain quietly became two.
The next split would happen in 5 minutes.
Susie woke up.
Susie: "The Knight... is he dead?"
She saw Kris and Ralsei—weeping in his arms.
Susie walked over.
"Kris... don't tell me the Knight survived."
Kris: "The Knight is dead. But we're about to be too."
Kris explained the situation to Susie as fast as he could.
Susie: "..."
"Hah."
"Whatever."
"Long as that bastard's dead."
She grabbed Ralsei by the scruff.
"Hey—stop crying. What you just did—I won't forgive it. Lucky Kris stepped in."
Ralsei was dangling as he cried at Susie.
"S-Susie..."
"Fine. Since we're about to die anyway—how about..."
"A group photo."
The three of them stood together one last time—and took a photo.
Then they all fell silent.
Susie: "..."
"Say something, dammit!!!!!! We don't have much time left!!!!!!"
Susie's voice cracked.
Kris: "Ralsei already taught Dess this lesson."
Susie: "...Right. But—"
Kris: "How about... we sing a song."
The Fountain became four.
Susie: "What song?"
Kris: "Don't Forget."
Susie/Ralsei: "Okay."
They stood in a row again—facing the Fountain.
Kris: "Ready?"
Kris: "3... 2... 1..."
Kris/Susie/Ralsei:
When the light is running low—
And the shadows start to grow—
And the places that you know—
Seem like fantasy—
The Fountain became eight.
There's a light inside your soul—
That's still shining in the cold—
With the truth—
The promise in our hearts—
Sixteen.
Don't forget—
I'm with you in the dark—
Thirty-two.
Susie finally... walked over—and wrapped her arms around them, tears streaming.
"I don't want... to let go like this..."
"I really... care so much... love you both so much..."
Sixty-four.
Together:
"We... have already won—completely and utterly."
One hundred twenty-eight.
...
...
Just as they braced for 256, 512, 1024...
A beam of light fell upon the shattered Axe of Justice.
A beam of light fell upon Kris's sword.
A beam of light fell upon Ralsei.
Kris moved first—his hands still there.
"...Susie? Ralsei?"
Susie/Ralsei: "Yeah."
Susie: "Kris? Ralsei?"
Kris/Ralsei: "Yeah."
Ralsei: "Kris? Susie?"
Kris/Susie: "Yeah."
They broke from the embrace and looked at each other.
"What's... going on?"
The Fountain stopped splitting.
The 128 Fountains... began to merge—back into one.
Trio: "???"
Susie: "What... is this? Ralsei—was this in the prophecy?"
Ralsei: "I... I don't know?"
Several beams of light formed a silhouette.
A silhouette—faintly glowing—of Charis.
All of Susie's weapons were already broken.
Kris's sword was broken too.
Susie tried to punch Charis—but her fist passed right through him.
This was just... a phantom—a remnant of Charis's will.
"No need to fight—I'll say what I need to say—and then disappear completely."
"I said before—I'm the first to know the prophecy. But—I never said I told you all of it."
"The final part of the prophecy is..."
"When the prophecy is shattered and stained with the blood of justice—that page of the prophecy can be rewritten."
"When that purple girl smashed the last page—and got her blood on it... the last page of the prophecy... became changeable."
"That means—if that white-haired boy had sealed the Fountain—the prophecy wouldn't have changed."
"And I... didn't tell you. I just wanted to see—would you really let him go die?"
"The answer... was obvious."
"...Oh... my energy is running out..."
"I know—any explanation I give now is powerless."
"If I had to say anything..."
"Thank you, Kris."
"..."
"I'm free."
Charis disappeared—completely, permanently.
Kris: "So... Susie..."
"You rewrote the prophecy...?"
For once—Susie didn't know what to say. All she knew was that she really had become the true hero. The one who never thought she'd be chosen.
In the center of the Fountain—a piece of golden glass appeared—and a gentle, invisible hand—like playing music—was composing the new prophecy—a song of life.
They watched nervously—reading word by word.
Kris: "Wisdom and self coexist... Kris."
Susie: "Brave and full of love... Susie."
Ralsei: "The gentle, fluffy little prince... Ralsei."
Susie: "Shall lead... all Darkners and Lightners..."
Kris: "Back to... the balance... of light and dark..."
Ralsei: (choking up) "And... the Little Prince of the Dark World..."
Susie: "Ralsei... shall gain..."
Kris: "The ability to travel... to the Light World."
Their tears covered their eyes—everything looked blurry.
Kris/Susie/Ralsei: "This page of the prophecy... cannot be changed... and all previous prophecy contents... are hereby void."
"All Darkners and Lightners who died... shall be revived after this prophecy is written."
The three of them held each other tightly.
Ralsei: "Thank you... Susie..."
Susie turned her head away.
"No—you can't say that."
"This girl—without the love from you and Kris—couldn't have done this. If you give all the credit to me just because I smashed the prophecy—that's not fair to you... or to Kris."
Kris: "But that girl also had the courage to believe in love—right?"
Susie's tears fell.
"Ah—Kris! Stop being my translator! And you two definitely deserve credit—don't even think about denying it!"
Kris: "We definitely deserve credit—but you... don't forget how great a thing you accomplished. And besides—instead of debating credit right now... how about..."
"We take a good look at how cute you look crying! Hahahahahaha!"
Susie finally caught Kris's tenderness.
"Fine... I'll show you then..."
Countless golden rays poured down—the Dark World seemed to become the Light World.
+500
+400
+100×5
+100
+1
+1
Standing before them were familiar faces.
They looked at the single Fountain remaining—and understood everything.
Lancer: "See! I told you they could do it!"
The three of them faced the army before them...
And bowed.
Susie walked toward Lancer and the thug gang.
Kris held Ralsei's hand—and walked toward his family.
Susie high-fived them.
Then didn't know how to express this sudden joy.
Thug Leader: "Hey—no need to be nervous..."
"I remember—I said before—you always thought it was us who saw you—but really—it was us being seen by you for the first time."
"See—you're seen now..."
Lancer: "Wow—who are they?! They look so cultured! Susie—you found friends this cool?! But you never told me!"
Susie: "Hm... actually—the story came out of a beautiful coercion. I didn't tell it voluntarily—but I can tell you now. Wait—you said they're... cultured? Let me see... Damn—how did you guys change so much?!"
"Here's the thing... after we parted ways with you... we went back to school—inspired by you."
Susie: "Then you're better than me—I can't read any of that stuff. You guys look a bit like that toothpaste boy now..."
"Reading isn't the only way to judge a person! What you did is harder than what we did—you learned how to love."
Susie turned away.
"What are you talking about... you bookworms are just—"
"Susie."
Standing before that girl were her parents.
They walked toward her—and she instinctively stepped back.
"Don't come any closer—you're scaring her."
"...We're sorry."
"Mom and Dad have failed you so much... said such terrible things to you."
"What we did—wasn't even as much as your friends did... right?"
"But what you've done now—is far more precious than any school."
"We completely understand... understand that you can't forgive us."
"We can buy a house—give you and Ralsei a place of your own."
Susie: "Stop."
"At this point—"
"You're still pushing yourselves away?"
"Let's just go home."
She walked forward and took her parents' hands. Now—she was the tallest in the family.
On the other side.
Asriel: "Kris—did you bring a girlfriend back from the Dark World?!"
Kris: "What are you talking about—he's a guy!"
Asriel: "Oh—oh—s-sorry."
Ralsei: "Haha—it's... okay."
For some reason—hearing Asriel say that made Ralsei even happier.
Kris and Asgore hugged tightly.
"Dad—I'm not uncomfortable—hold me tighter. It's okay."
Then Kris hugged his mom—her fur already soaked with tears.
"Kris... welcome back..."
"Welcome... back..."
Then he hugged his big brother.
Kris: "Hm... your fur is soft."
Asriel: "I've been... working on fur care recently."
"Kris—promise me one thing, okay..."
"Promise me you'll always be happy."
Kris: "Yeah."
"Promise me one more thing, okay..."
"Go ahead..."
Asriel let go—jumped up—and stroked Ralsei.
"Bring this adorable little cutie to our house as a guest!"
Kris: "6."
Toriel: "No."
They were stunned—looking at Toriel.
Then Toriel's expression softened.
"Just inviting him as a guest isn't enough—how could we bear to leave our cute little prince alone in the Dark World? Asriel—the money you earn from work... could you... spare a little to buy Ralsei a bed?"
Asriel: "Mom—so that's what you were getting at!"
Ralsei: "No! Please! That's too much trouble!"
Asgore: "How could hosting Kris's friend be trouble? It's settled!"
Asriel: "Fine... I was going to buy a figure of this little prince anyway... because I've had a dream since I was little—to be a little prince..."
Kris: "What? You said... your dream was to be a little prince? And your names are so similar—Ralsei... could your Light World counterpart really be... Asriel's dream?!"
Ralsei: "I do correspond to a dream—but I didn't know whose... So—Mr. Asriel—I really am... your dream? What a coincidence!"
Tenna walked over.
Tenna: "Hey! Looks like a happy reunion! How about... we hold a festival in the Dark World for all the Lightners?"
Susie walked over too.
"What else is there to say—Kris—I've never heard you sing before! All you ever sing is that Wrong Number Song..."
Kris looked at Ralsei—who smiled back at him.
"Alright."
At the festival.
Tenna: "Everyone—please take your seats! The show's about to begin! Oh—this is the happiest day of my life!"
Susie: "...Kris—why did you pick this song? From the movie Me and My Youth?"
Kris: "I picked it for you. Sing it well. I rearranged it—added parts for me and Ralsei."
Susie: "Fine—Ralsei! Stop blushing! We're going on soon!"
Ralsei: "...Okay."
Tenna: "Is everyone ready?!"
"3!!!!"
"2!!!!!!!"
"1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
But they didn't appear. Instead—a line of text appeared on the screen.
It was Kris's message to everyone—a soft question:
...Have you ever seen that dark road?
The stage was dark. They weren't on stage—only voices sang.
Kris's gentle voice.
Kris:
I don't want to let go of my hand
Even though you once tried to let go
You don't need to prove anything anymore
Because you are already the best version of yourself
Ralsei:
Take my hand, new day's begun.
Old roads fade beneath the sun.
So never think your light is vain.
Somewhere out there, a soul will hear.
Kris:
I see that dark road
Ralsei:
I see the light in your eyes
Susie:
They all became part of you
Together:
If you believe—then it exists
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!
Colorful lights instantly flooded the massive stage—and on it stood three heroes—three children.
Amid the cheers—a warm melody began.
"Have You Seen That Dark Road"
Performed by: Kris, Susie, Ralsei
Arranged by: Kris
Susie:
What I once saw—
As small as me—
Kris:
Like wild wind's sand—
Unseen by the world's sun—
Susie/Kris:
(They both look at Ralsei—a beam of light illuminating him)
In the wilderness—kindling sparks—
In the wind—singing loud—
Chasing dawn's light through the night—
This world—wandering—
You stand—on the aurora—
Touching the galaxy's flow through a lifetime—
Trio:
Chase—on— chase—on— the wind's direction—
Fly—on— fly—on— to the distance—
A moment of silence.
Susie:
I see— this ordinary me—
Refusing to live a life like this—
Walking forward— fearing no gaze—
Never backing down— life burning bright—
Kris/Ralsei:
I see— that proud you—
Stubbornly searching for the fire within—
Together:
Don't forget— the young me—
The lights shifted from them—to the audience: all Lightners and Darkners.
The voice grew softer.
Kris:
What I once saw—
As vast as you—
Ralsei:
Like mountains and rivers—
Still fighting in despair—
Ralsei/Kris:
In the wilderness—kindling sparks—
In the wind—singing loud—
Chasing dawn's light through the night—
Susie:
In the dark— ten thousand lights—
Charging forward— not overthinking—
Along the way— millions of souls— united—
Trio:
Chase—on— chase—on— the wind's direction—
Fly—on— fly—on— to the distance—
The lights shone on everyone.
Everyone:
I see— this ordinary me—
Refusing to live a life like this—
Walking forward— fearing no gaze—
Never backing down— life burning bright—
I see— that proud you—
Stubbornly searching for the fire within—
Don't forget— the young me—
Don't forget— there's you and me—
All the Darkners in the Dark World lived happily in that world formed by the single Fountain.
However—although Darkners still couldn't reach the Light World—they could see it through Tenna.
King: "Look there! Son—I bought you a 16-speed motorcycle!"
Lancer: "Wow! Thanks, Dad! With this—once Susie comes over—I can take her for a ride!"
Queen: "Dark World regulations now require a license for motorcycles..."
Lancer: "That's easy—I'll pass with my eyes closed!"
Queen: "But the driving school is still under construction..."
Lancer: "...Do you have to be this rigid..."
Queen: "Bear with it—my acid pool is also being rebuilt..."
Roulx: "Do not forget me! I am a member of the 'Relying on Age—no—Respecting the Young and Loving the Old' Construction Association."
Queen: "So... you're helping build Gerson's nursing home?"
Roulx: "Exactly!"
Lancer: "But the old man might be on the other side of the Fountain—how do we get there?"
Tenna: "Remember what King Spade·Rising was doing before? He's working at the shipyard—installing turbines on ships!"
Lancer: "Wow—that's so cool!"
Charity Donation Association.
Priice: "Thank you—thank you for your donation."
"Priice—are you still raising funds to build Ralsei's house?"
"Yeah."
Light World.
Susie: "Oh—my god—why—after saving the world—do we still have to..."
"GO!!! TO!!! SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!"
"This—god—damn—homework!"
Ralsei: "I think... school is kind of fun—but math and stuff... I need Kris's help..."
Susie: "Don't even mention it—you two—one perfect in essays, one a math whiz! You're both driving me crazy!"
Kris: "Hehe—who says saving the world means you have to go to school? Come on—I'll sign you up for shot put!"
Susie: "Look—Ralsei—my liberation zone is here! I'm leaving my English homework to you!"
Kris: "And mine!"
Ralsei: "You two can't—"
They were already gone.
"Let's congratulate Susie for breaking the school record in women's shot put with 18.84 meters!"
Kris: "Oh my god—18.84 meters... are you a monster? Wait—you actually are a monster—are you a monster among monsters?!"
Noelle stood by with a bouquet for Susie—carved out of chalk.
Kris: "Noelle... this must've taken... a week? She'll probably eat it in two bites anyway..."
Noelle: "As long as she likes it... that's enough."
Kris: "So this is... the power of love?"
Noelle: "Haha—you've really changed a lot! By the way—are you really going to leave little Ralsei alone to do your homework?"
Kris: "Oh! I forgot—tonight we have a date at the tea shop!"
Kris walked toward the classroom—and on the way, heard a voice.
"NYEH HEH HEH! Class—this is a timeless classic!"
He walked with more confidence.
After school—Kris held Ralsei's hand and went out.
He saw Asgore in his police uniform—leading his team in a song.
Asgore: "3—2—1—go!"
"Perhaps I burn this life chasing light and flames—"
"Day after day—just to ignite sparks—"
"I hold the final line of rule of law—"
"The answer you seek—have you found it now?"
Inside were the Green couple and their debt collector.
Kris: "Oh—in two days is Mom and Dad's 10-day remarriage anniversary!"
"Should we go to the civil affairs bureau too?"
Ralsei: "Kris! Don't... joke about that!"
Kris: "Okay, okay—so serious..."
He said this while patting Ralsei's head.
Ralsei seemed to turn into rainbow form again.
Kris: "Meet a rainbow—eat a rainbow!"
Along the way...
Undyne: "Hey—you bastard! Running a red light—deduct 6 points!"
"I-I'm sorry—my baby's about to be born."
Undyne: "Quick—I'll drive!"
Undyne ran three red lights—and her license was revoked.
"Hah—just retake the written test? I'll pass with my eyes closed—because I wrote the questions!"
At the tea shop.
"What would you two like?"
Ralsei: "Peach milk tea, please!"
Kris: "Long Island Iced Tea, please!"
Ralsei: "Kris!"
Kris: "Ah—please give me iced tea instead."
During the date.
Ralsei: "Kris—how did you end up drinking alcohol?"
Kris: "I honestly didn't know it was alcohol back then—but after drinking it, I thought it was pretty good."
Ralsei: "Sometimes... breaking the rules is nice, isn't it... Am I... too rigid?"
Kris: "See? You always think something's wrong with you. Do you know how much Asriel likes you?"
Ralsei: "...What?"
Kris: "That day—my brother talked to me. He said he's always wanted to be a little prince—but he's afraid of being forced to take on responsibilities he doesn't want—and that caring about others' feelings all the time makes him uncomfortable. But he really wants to be that person. Isn't that you? A gentle, kind little prince—so considerate it's almost heartbreaking?"
Ralsei: "Ah... I... I'm sorry... I never thought... I could be that good..."
Kris: "Of course you're good! Otherwise—would I be with you?"
Ralsei smiled—bright and sunny. The sunset outside shone on his smile—as if the sunlight itself was smiling.
That night.
Kris: "Susie! Go! Susie! Go!"
With Kris cheering her on—Susie stuffed down another piece of fried chicken.
Ralsei: "Won't the boss feel..."
Boss: "It's fine! Ever since Mr. Sans started buying ketchup from us—ketchup-flavored fried chicken has been super popular! We've got so many more customers! Eat as much as you want!"
Boss's inner thoughts: And that toothpaste boy hasn't eaten much anyway—I'm still making a profit!
Noelle: "Kris! Stop egging her on! Susie—take care of yourself!"
Kris: "Okay, okay..."
On the way back.
Kris: "Burp! Susie, Ralsei—there's an event tomorrow—you guys want to come?"
Susie: "Burp! What burp! kind burp! of burp! event burp!"
Ralsei was holding back laughter.
Kris: "If you want to laugh—just laugh..."
Ralsei burst out laughing.
Kris/Susie/Noelle: "Ralsei?!"
Kris told them the details.
The next day.
"First Annual · Anti-Gender-Stereotype · Be Yourself · Event"
Speakers: Susie, Ralsei.
Kris: "If this lineup isn't authoritative—I'll eat chalk."
Susie: "Hey—everyone—which idiot decided girls have to be delicate? I say we just throw them out!"
Ralsei: "Every one of you is a unique existence. Every one of you deserves to be loved. Your existence alone is reason enough—no need for gender boxes!"
In this warm little town—Toriel was still a teacher—Asriel was still at university—Sans was still napping in his shop occasionally—Alphys was still assigning group projects—Berdly was still top of the class—but he'd learned far more. Rudy, Carol, and Dess were traveling. The town was filled with sunlight again—but with something new. I mean—your choice matters—and you, before the screen, are not spared...
Not spared from being part of this happiness!
Walk forward, friend.
On that difficult yet gentle road ahead—
There will surely be your own Susie and Ralsei.
I said it.
Whether you believe it or not!