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Their WingsThe last Chapter    « Of all humans... » Everyone stayed still. Nobody dared move nor breathe in front of the horrific scene. The human was frozen in their action, their expression struck with shock while their hand was still outstretched to hold Sans'. Their fingertips only brushed when the monster noticed the middle prong of Asgore's trident impaling their chest with their soul at the tip. Their soul... With only a sparkle of red remaining. Asgore narrowed his eyes in despise. « You were the stupidest. » Then, the Monster King tore the weapon out of the little one's body, spilling with the motion their thick, black blood around. The human, still stunned from the unexpected attack, managed to remain on their feet. While the brothers were unable to make a move, their once was a time friend lowered their wide open eyes over their soul. It was now entirely black, and a sickening, black putrid fluid escaped from the lethal wound, so they automatically placed their cupping hands under it, as if to prevent it from pouring out... while the black marks replicated what happened to the tiny heart on their skin, consuming the last remnants of their once natural skin color.At this moment, the six souls entered them at the same time their own cracked through and through. That's when the human's remaining strength vanished and they collapsed backwards. They only had time to make eye contact with their friends as they both shouted after them and jumped in their direction trying to catch them in their fall. The whole world slowed down. The black soul shattered like glass. Then came the defeaning, gut-wrenching scream that came from deep within the human, right before a shock wave bursted out of them, cracking, breaking their levitating form's surroundings. Nothing resisted under the pressure, not even the ground. The wave of energy wiped anyone close and sent them crashing into walls. Papyrus, Sans, Asgore... No one was spared. Even A.D, who stood at the entrance, was pushed back. The wolf's squeal of fear echoed as it ran to safety.The violence of the monsters' impact caused the facades to shake and crack, while the little one in the middle of the room rolled up in a foetal position. The way their head and limbs were hanging... The human was dead.

So why this power would still emanate from them ever so strongly ? What were they ? Were the other souls responsible for this ? The ceiling, that already suffered through time and weather, collapsed further under the sheer pressure. Bits of it were falling here and there while the ground that collapsed into itself saw its chunks float up in the air.It was insane. It was technically impossible for this to happen with a human.The feeling of dread hung in the atmosphere. It was a nightmare. How could this happen ? Why ? Why ? The brothers never felt this helpless nor hopeless in front of such a horrible display. What was happening was much bigger than them and all they could do was watch the trainwreck.All the universe bore witness was the skeleton brothers screaming their most precious one's nickname in despair as their souls split in two. Aah... Yes, Despair. That one feeling ruling over their world. Finding ways to tear apart a monster's soul by all means. Love was known to be the easiest way to kill a monster. Will these ones survive it ? Or will Despair take over them too ? Asgore, the King who had fallen, returned to the senses he lost upon impact from the shockwave. A hand on his head while he hissed in pain, he realized that what happened wasn't a dream for the room drowned into the echoes of the screams and the sounds of rock structures crashing and breaking in the middle of defeaning hollow howl. How could this be possible with so many different noises in the same room...? The goat monster has never been this astonished, especially when he was witnessing a pitch-black cocoon take form directly from the broken ground after one drop of fresh blood dripped, and envelopped the body he slayed to lift it above the whole place. He gaped at the terrifying display.After a few seconds, it started to move inside. The trapped being started pushing against the walls of its makeshift shelter until the top began to stretch and tear as it forced its way out. The human was standing up, their now naked body bending backwards in the effort of the release... The first thing they noticed was their skin... It was as pale as the dead. So pale in fact that their veins were visible through their faded color skin, their color so dark in contrast with their flesh made them look like a walking dead... The extremeties of their limbs however were pitch-black up to their elbows and knees. Everyone in the room couldn't take their eyes off Frisk. Gawking in horror, they watched the human starting to change. Their limbs, heck, even their chest and neck began to stretch, grow longer, pulling at the skin to the point that now, the ribcage, their hips, clavicles, shoulders were protuding. Even their hands were longer, with claws that would tear anything apart. Their legs took the structure of an animal's hint legs and finally, their precious friend bent forward to release a pair of bat wings from their prison of flesh in a shower of blood. The smell that emanated from the drops of their blood was nauseating, intoxicating ; the smell of death.While their wings, which were already torn in some places, were flapping to get rid of the sickening fluid sticking to them, their black hair grew a few strands in the back at the bottom part of their head into hands. Once the transformation seemed over, the one who used to be a simple human finally opened their eyes on their dearest ones to see nothing else than horror in theirs. They felt a glimpse of regret in their chest, as the white sclera of their eyes was slowly eaten away by the black matter. The last remains of Frisk's spirit whispered. « S-Sans... Papyrus... You're here... » Their voice started to divide into a demonic one as words were spoken. Then, their throat wouldn't let anything else come out. Their arms outstretched feverishly towards them in a desperate demand for embrace.  Thank you for coming here...  In the end, I couldn't even say goodbye...   They closed their fully turned black eyes, to let one single, glistening, pure tear roll so gently down their cheek.  Forgive me...   When they opened their inky eyes again, a white slit pupil appeared.  Frisk was gone. 
L O S T  S O U L
  
HP Unknown ATTCK Infinite

DEF Infinite
 
There is no chance this will end well.
  The brothers looked at the stranger in front of them in horror. They couldn't find in the creature's gaze the softness it held before, nor the Kindness that once resided in their soul. What was this creature ? While they observed it speechless, the beast inhaled and the next second, a bestial, feral roar escaped from its tearing mouth. Their teeth were sharp and their dark tongue pointy and thick. The other monsters put their hands or their arms over their ears to prevent the oh too powerful screech from bursting their eardrums. It wasn't their human anymore. It wasn't their sweetheart anymore. Now, they could sense it... They were gone. And for the first time after so many years, Asgore, the tyrannic King who spread terror in the whole underground, felt fear. He couldn't stop asking himself... What have I done ? Meanwhile, another form trapped in the nauseating black matter fell from the torn coccon to the ground. It seemed to have trouble getting up with that extra sticky charge. It slowly dripped down its body to reveal a grown up goat monster wearing nothing but a pure white robe with the symbol of royalty on his clothings. He was kneeling up with the assistance of its hands, coughing up the putrid liquid, searching for air. It was Asriel free from his friend's body. He raised his ruby eyes checking his surroundings when he realized he was out, but to his distaste, he found something else to look at ; Frisk. Or what was left of them.In complete disbelief in front of the terrifying view, he whispered their name.  ✧✦✧  You raised your hand to look at it. How foreign it felt. How wrong it felt.You couldn't feel the pain those black spots were inflicting to your body anymore. Instead, it was only you left aching.The echoes of your cries and shouts rang in the back of your mind. The bitter taste of betrayal, humiliation, hate and misery lingered beside an aftertaste of decay in your mouth as it coursed inside your veins.Bits of memory were flashing before your eyes. The things you oh so longed to forget... Your memories, they were back to haunt you.The monsters from your past's laughters were drowning out the sounds and shouts around you. Stuck in a haze, you slowly lifted your head, attracted by a sparkle of light that nobody but you could see. Was that the last glimpse of the one you used to be, calling out to you ? You couldn't remember anything... But these emotions that were eating you up whole.You reached for the last bit of Hope and Determination that used to define you. It seemed even to possess a face. A soft, smiling face. It was out of reach. Ah...  So it was...   Your despair.  
I... F̴̡̺̺̠̘͙͇̔͒̊͐̑͑̕a̵͍͕͈̬͋̉ȋ̵̫͖͇̞͈͌͂̑l̷̘̟͔̈́̿̉̒̐̈́̚͝͝ë̷̫̥̩̻̳́̔̒̑̆͘̕͝d̸̡̪͇͎̜͛͛̔̄͌́͝.̸̦͙͈̆̈.̸̨̝̪͈̹̣̈́̀̊̎̓̈́.̷̱̳͆́̽̃͌̍̓?̷̢̗̳̠̀̌̊̑
  Now, you knew why were you down here. Why you wanted to end your life.Why weren't you dead ? Why were you the one paying for what the others did to you ? That's right. Humanity didn't deserve mercy. Didn't deserve happiness. And... So Monsterkind. After all the deaths encountered, the torture, the hurting, the special hell they put you through... Did they honestly deserve forgiveness ? Why should they find peace when they didn't give anything else in return, besides misery and demise ? Besides killing your bestfriend, your only guardian when you just wanted peace ? No... They didn't deserve mercy. After all these injustices... They deserved to be released... And by that, you decided it would be by the mean of D̶̪̭͙̩̝͂̈́̉͌̌̑Ę̷̨͉̳̘̯̭͆̒̋Ă̷̦̘̠͔͜T̸̡̹̬̺͙́͝H̶͈̲̍̽̐̓̃. Your powers irradiated from this new body of yours. A new fire burned inside of you. 
̷̨̧͚̙̼͎̮͈̑͋́̂̐D̷̹̭͓̹͛̾̓̀̚͝͠͝͠ė̶̡̂s̷̢̭͓̪̩̊̇̃͗̅̌ť̶͍̙̭̥̙̺̎̒̌͘͝r̵͕͎̮̖̭̘̣͐̕͝õ̷͎͕̌͋ÿ̸̧̥̙́.̶͙̘̺̗̦͋͊̂́̈́̏͛
 That's right. Everything must be ̵̢̗̑̈̄ͅd̵͈̣̖̦̝̙͙͎́̑̄͊̽͘͠ę̸̛̦͈͙̱̥͈͕͐̃̏̎̑s̶̢̱̳̬̥̹͈̖̔̈͒͗̈͂̾̓̾̕t̴̨̡̰̳͎͍̖̙̽̐̾̐̈́̾͘r̴̢̘̪̣̮̪̩̈́̉ͅǫ̸̞̖̪̊̿̓̌̽͘y̶͖̏̃͛͑͝ę̶̘̣̰̮͊͗̾͑̄͗̿̂ḑ̵͚̱̥̆̿.̸̤̣̒̍̎ You'll ̸͓̄͗ḿ̵̤͎̦̓ä̷̹͎̹̮̰͖̭̗̲͙́k̶̝̒̄̋͂̏̂͂͑͘e̵̖͈̘̙̪͐͆̄̈́͘ ̷̩̭̦̤̺͎̗̲͑́t̵̢̬͇̬̬̱̻̊̋̇̈́͗̈́͂̊h̷͇̜̘͓͓̯̠̗̫̀̐̿e̵̲̪̥͕̗̒ṃ̵̭̼̳̤͙͙̪͜͠ ̴̜̙̜̯̺̼̘̞͎̈́̉̿͛a̵͚̪̙̿̒̊̊́͑̒l̸̖̮͎̩̯̮̭̖͓͑͑͐͆͑̆͋͝͠l̸͇̖̃ ̴̮̯̣̹̮͗p̶̡͓̮̝̳͔͓̖͒̾̓̒͌̌̅͜͜a̴̡̲̓ÿ̴̧̜͕́̅̄.̴̹̱͇̤̈́̃̾́̓̈́̅̽̐̕  
̷̟̞͍̱̼̼̤̜̺͑͆̀̓̄̈́͐͜͠L̴͌̇͗͗͌͊͝ͅe̶̱͙̓̾t̷̨̮̰̤̞͖̙̳̥̔̈́̓̈́͐͗͝͝'̴̘͇̺͍̫͕̃͐̄̚s̷͙͔̲̯͎̫̹͓̳̺̓̏́͊̒͝ ̷̡̱̳̙̩̦̪̆͌̿͘ͅṣ̷͚͛̄̓̇̾̒̔̆̃e̵̱̫̼͎̣͍̥̠͔͆̊͂̋̉͑͗͝t̷͎͐́͐̔̾̂̚͝ ̵̜̙͉̪͕́̂̑̍͐͊̓̈̕f̷̮̤͓͎̍̑̏̅͆̐i̷̧̢͕̣̤̖̩͂̈̋̿̕͜͠r̷̠̓̅͆͊̓̅̈́̔̕ȇ̸͙̥͙̳͔̳̪̓̂͝ ̷͈͇̉̊̇͐t̷̎̎̈͛̎̏͝ͅo̶̮͎̱̤͈͈̪̩̅ ̵̛͖̠͌̿̈́̌̇̏̐̀t̷̗͍̮̋͝ͅh̸̦̘̝͇̟̤̿̍͊͠͝ę̷̘̼̻̦͔͈̘̭̌ ̶̨̻̜̮̞̫̼̒̒r̶̻̩̅͋̊̅a̸̧͇͙̭̻̫͎̎̃̌̓̈̓̚͜ͅį̸̡̺̼̹͚͇̔̊̃̏̕͘͘̚ṅ̸̨̻̗̝͓̫̻͍̝̓̒̊̋͝.̴̨͚̻̪͚͓͑̃́̊͜
 ✧✦✧ The creature lowered its gaze on the skeleton brothers who were standing, or more likely trying to stand on the solid ground right in its line of sight. Their bodies were covered in cracks; Papyrus had a broken arm, and Sans was no better with a broken rib. In pain, they didn't know what to do with this thing that barely resembled a human at all. They perceived the ache in the creature's eyes that faded in a matter of seconds to leave room for another expression : Hatred. No. Madness. Asriel, who was really close to the being's position, didn't dare make a sound nor a move. He didn't know what to do at this moment. It was already a miracle for him to be back thanks to the souls that he absorbed with his dearest friend Frisk... And now... What now ? Was that Frisk ? Was a human able to do such a thing, absorbing other human souls ? He couldn't start to comprehend all the crap that was happening... But here he was and everyone had to play their part. That's when the beast screamed another time.

The strands of hair in the shape of demonic hands launched at the skeleton brothers that they barely escaped because of their precarious health conditions. The rock broke just by the strength of the hands' crashing into the ground. Sans couldn't help but cry out due to the pulsing pain in his ribcage. Papyrus did his best landing on his feet without hurting himself further more.When another hand shot at him, he summoned a ribcage as a shield to protect himself while his brother didn't find better than teleporting on short distances. « Sweetheart ! What's happening to you !? » Sans managed to yell before he groaned in pain with a hand holding his side. Papyrus was fighting with his still valid arm, armed with a bone sword against those hands that he cut through, while his other limb held onto a showing rib to avoid further damage. Right when he defeated his strange enemy, he found himself surrounded by shadows that came in different shapes, which he recognized a few that were monsters among the human looking ones. He positioned himself again when they rushed towards him. « Human ! This isn't you ! Snap back to your senses immediately ! » He demanded between two slayed shadows. Despite the monster's efforts, their opponent didn't respond. The creature just stared at them with its hateful eyes, a hand raised to command the shadows to return to the battleground. Now, Papyrus and Sans had to battle against the other's personification. They merely dodged the attacks. Papyrus, who sometimes got hit, had trouble getting rid of his brother's double for just like him, it avoided his different attacks with high speed. The real Sans was sending ranges of bones in the direction of his enemy whom was using swords in a familiar shape to retaliate. Asriel was watching from his spot. A yelp made his head whip around to look at his father surrounded by six little humans. Each one had a different shape. They were laughing at the goat monster whose panic skyrocketed. « You didn't let me any choice ! » He tried to defend himself, while he sent fireballs to protect himself from them. At their touch, the shadows bursted into black goo with a high-pitched yelp. The goat Prince was the only one spared. Or at least, at first. He noticed in the corner of his eye Undyne's form standing there. As he turned his attention over her, he understood what was going on here : Judgement.So that's what it was... Well then. He won't turn away from his responsabilities. That's why he stayed on his knees, motionless as Undyne's shadow summoned a spear as dark as ink. The young monster peacefully bowed his head and closed his eyes in a humble stance. No fear perceived. « I recognize my crimes and while I regret them trully, I know that asking for forgiveness is impossible with what I've done and if I have to die for my sins, I will gladly oblige for I do not deserve mercy. » He spoke sincerely. He was ready to face the consequences of his actions. The shadow of his victim had its weapon up, ready to strike when Asriel spoke out of his heart. The goat monster waited for his demise, his eyes still closed, expecting for the Spear of Justice to take him... But it never did. So he opened his eyes only to come to the realization that the shadow of his opponent was nowhere to be seen, then to spot the others that were still fighting and trying to resist against the source of their torments in the distance. « Human ! Please, come back ! » Papyrus shouted at the still flying creature. But what he only got in return was a feral scream from it.  « I thought they would make it, this time... »  The unfamiliar voice that rang stopped everyone but the shadow figures, just for a brief moment to look at the direction of the new person. A twice as tall winged human was sitting on a collapsed rock pillar. Pale skin, dressed in a dark robe and white gold ornaments, and a black veil covered the top half of their face. The pair of wings on their back that matched the color of their clothes were damaged to the point that they missed a bunch of feathers. A scythe was held in their right hand. Who was this guy, they wondered. Papyrus put an end to his fight with Sans' shadow by cutting through it by some miracle, so he could turn towards the stranger. « Who are you ? » He asked first before he spared a quick glance over the enemy floating. « What is that ? »« I apologize for my sudden intrusion. Greetings. I am Chara, an Angel of Death. » They intoduced themselves peacefully, while their interlocutors were back to business fighting against the darkness, expect for Asriel who was found gaping ever since he heard the person's voice. Chara looked over the humanoid creature. « And this... Is what's left of Frisk. » Sans, who finally got rid of Papyrus' shadow with a circle of bones, panted. « How ? How did that happen ? How is it even possible ? They're human. »« What you see there... Never was human. » Chara replied. The revelation made everyone freeze.« ...What ? » Sans let it slip out, just before he avoided a hairy hand that crashed on his position. Papyrus gasped in realization and as he turned his gaze on the winged human, he asked.« Do you mean... » Chara closed their eyes for a little while. « Yes. They were dead from the beginning. I thought that it would have crossed your mind after all the times you tried to kill them. » They replied with a hint of snarkiness in their tone.« So, you're responsible for all of this !? » Sans barked. He pointed at the one he used to protect. « Is this the result of your shit !? What have you done to our sweetheart !? » A low giggle escaped from the Deity's throat. « I'm afraid you don't understand, pretty comedian. I'm an Angel of Death. And if it wasn't for Frisk, they'd never have a second chance. » Chara opened their ruby eyes again. At this moment, the world came to a stop, like the hands on a clock just stilled. The entire universe was frozen in time except for the people in the room so they'd be safe from the Beast. « Do you need me to show you what happened ? From the beginning ? » ✧✦✧ Their body was laying in the middle of a golden flowerbed on which blood has spilled upon. Their chest was still, as time came for their little heart to stop beating. They ceased to breathe.Above their lifeless body was floating a heart. It was their soul, devoid of its usual color, trembling feverishly as it threatened to split. They were letting go of their Determination.The silent call for help attracted something. The flowers bent at the soft breeze coming to caress the corpse. Petals were floating in the blinding light the sun bathed the room with. And when the soul finally bursted into hundreds of pieces, the world froze, as if time simply stopped. Every particle, every petal was shimmering in the light, still in the thin air. The sound of flapping wings echoed. That was Chara making their appearance in front of the poor little soul. Their tall and menacing height was floating just above the corpse to face the small spirit that looked so fragile in comparison. They shone with a pure white aura, but oh, so weak... The lost soul's eyes were closed as it whispered without even moving their lips. « I don't want to see anymore. I don't want to hear anymore... Don't want to feel anymore... I just want... To disappear. » Their face wore the most miserable, painful expression it was given to the tall figure to see. The human's soul was shattered and yet, couldn't disappear for they were stuck in this very second where they were not really alive, but not really dead either. They were in between, a foot in the World of the Living, another in the Land of the Dead. The wings on the little one's back were small, just like them who were barely an adult. So young and delicate. And their voice, so pure, devoid of any hatred or bitterness. It was as bright as crystals, and soft like cotton, and their appearance... Their naked form looked so frail to the point it could be wiped away just by blowing on it like on a lit candle. And their face... It reminded of themselves, a perfect copy of who they used to be.They were broken, just like the way they've been and yet... This human was still different from them. The Angel couldn't sense even a sparkle of hostility in this soul. That's why they first responded to its calling. « Fallen Child. » They called, their form floating in front of the spirit gracefully with their veil covering their eyes. They reached to rest their fingertips under the lost one's chin and lift their head in their direction. « Open your eyes. » The little one obeyed in silence to look at who gave them the command. Strangely, the little soul didn't freak out at the sight of that tall and impressive individual. It actually felt like it was expecting their coming. The lost soul's eye color was faded just like the little heart. The Angel in dark clothes loomed over them and asked with a scythe resting in their right hand.  « What is your wish ? »  The soul didn't wait to answer with a broken, exhausted tone.  « I want to die. »« Is that really what you want ? » The little creature nodded quietly. That's when the Angel with the damaged wings stood straighter and closed their eyes to register the being's wish. « I can give you what you're looking for, though there are conditions to acknowledge. » The tormented soul stared at them in silence, patiently waiting for them to continue. « I have a mission that only you can accomplish. You have fallen into the Underground, where monsters have been locked up for centuries. I want you to set them free. The way you'll choose is up to you, but you'll have to hurry to the Barrier to achieve it. Accomplish what I cannot and I shall grant your wish. »« Set them free ? » The soul repeated softly. The tall figure nodded.« Once the deed is done, you'll cease to exist. No more pain, no more hurt will ever reach you. It will be as if you never roamed the earth. » After a short moment, something the Angel recognized as the color of Determination sparkled in the creature's eyes. « I accept. » The winged deity closed theirs with a smile for a brief moment before their serious expression returned when they opened them again. The breeze began to blow gently some more. « One last thing. Your clock is ticking, for you're dead and have no longer a body. In other words, you're a wandering soul. And since the living can't see the dead, I'll have to materialize your soul form so you can interact with the people you'll encounter throughout your journey. You'll have to make your way out fast. A curse has been spreading around the Underground mercilessly, that means you'll be affected as well if you don't hurry and carry your mission in time. And if you're too late... » The little one was looking at them with eyes filled with apprehension, but also, Determination. « You'll wander on Earth condemned to suffer from your torments for eternity. » The conditions would make anyone freak out, and yet... The lost soul just nodded while intently looking at their partner in crime. « I'll set them free on time. » The breeze blew stronger, raising their hair and pieces of clothing in the process. The scythe disappeared from the Angel's grasp when they lifted a hand in the little soul's direction to summon a pure white angelic robe and golden ornaments cover the fragile being's form. « Understood. I, Chara the Angel of Death, will make you my messiah. You will be my personal Angel and as designed, you'll be the one to release the creatures roaming down here. » Right then, the Deity laid their hands on their Angel's small and delicate face.Chara was looking straight into their new recruit's eyes, their wings opened wide appearing more imposing than ever. They stopped to a few inches from the undead's face. « Do not fret, little one. You won't be on your own. I'll be watching over you and guiding you through the Underground. Now... Close your eyes. » Silently, the little angel obeyed, before Chara closed in and laid a kiss over their lips.

« The contract is sealed. »  ✧✦✧  Everyone had a hard time to believe it was true, although they felt it in their bones. The vision they had... It felt real. Too real for it not to be. The pause that allowed the protagonists to acknowledge the situation was up and time ran again while everyone was catching their breath after the emotional rollercoaster they hopped on. « As I feared, the repetitive deaths and abuse they suffered through made the curse spread faster than it should have... Probably also because another spirit fed on them. » Chara explained while they stared at Asriel. The goat monster had tears pricking his eyes but the reason why wasn't the Deity's explanations. No, the reason why was something else entirely.« Chara... » He whispered with a broken voice. At this moment, a screech that tore through the room caught everyone's attention ; it was a scream of pain. The demon was hunched over, holding its head that it shook so vividly like it was trying to get gruesome pictures out of it. Bits of memories were coming back in waves, and because of the Lost Soul's powers, it had the ability to make everyone enjoy them as well.The bits they saw, heard and felt made them collapse on the ground. Disgust and anger coiled in their guts from the torments they were living. They had some informations of what their loved one had gone through, in their living existence and after.Asriel, who had his share, turned his attention over the Angel of Death. « What's this curse you were talking about ? » Chara turned their peaceful attention over him since they seemed to be the only one spared from Lost Soul's wrath, as if it didn't spot them.« The Curse ? I thought you would have noticed it by now. » Chara sighed slightly, a bit amused by their ignorance. « It appeared the day when the royal children died. A wave of Despair submerged the Underground, and since Monsterkind was at their weakest state, it quickly infected them like a virus. Do you know who started this ? The King. » The culprit turned around to meet their surprised gaze, just as taken aback as them. « His sorrow and anger were too strong to keep them bottled up that his corrupted magic contamined the Underground's atmosphere. It infected people, corrupting their vertue into their opposite over time. » The Angel pointed at their interlocutors. « Rage is one of the most prevalent traits of the virus. It feeds off violence and that's how monsters started fighting each other : to stay alive. This place has become a world of Kill or be Killed. » The Lost Soul screeched again so everyone except the Deity put their hands over their ears.Asgore couldn't believe what he just heard. He was responsible for all of this ? « I... Did that ? » He muttered. Asriel looked at him. His father went through a lot, it was only normal that he was in shock. Seeing his dead children here, in front of him... It would mess anyone up. « So... The Human children... »« They ended up infected with the virus as well. That is why they attacked you and your people. » The giant goat monster felt tears welling up in his wide open eyes, that he lowered in realization. « So... »« As hateful as they are, not all the humans on the Surface are insane, from what I saw. » Chara finished then turned to watch the skelebros that resumed fighting shadows while they were speaking. Asriel had already found Salvation, which may be the reason why he remained safe from attacks.« But... What about... The human !? » Papyrus asked in the middle of swinging his sword to slay his own shadow figure.« The human ? You meant the spirit here ? » The Angel looked at the creature staring at its victims. « I'm afraid that they became a Demon with the six souls they absorbed. » With his lost breath hitching through the pain, Sans appeared a few feet away from the Deity to ask. « Can't we save them ? » Chara looked away at this question.« The Underground ate their Determination away. The fight with Da... » Chara bit their lip down for a second, before they resumed. « The fight with Asgore made them completely lose Hope. And once the Demon is done destroying you all, it'll go and turn the rest of the world into ashes... » Everyone's face showed horror at this revelation. It was a lost cause... Right ? Everyone will die... And it was their fault. « But it's not too late. There is still a chance to bring them back, if they're still somewhere inside. » Asriel turned his attention over his bestfriend. He had absorbed the six souls within their body. Of them all, only he had the power to fight them. That's why he would do it. He would fight the demon back for he was its nemesis.As soon as Chara said this, he threw fireballs at it but a wall of black matter blocked the attack. That's when the creature finally noticed him. He caught at first a glimpse of concern in its gaze before it screeched at him in fury.Asgore gasped. His child was confronting the devil. « My son... » He breathed out. The defeated King couldn't do anything else but cry at that sight. The six children that died were standing around him, but he wouldn't move. He wouldn't fight. He would just bow his head in surrender. The King was too tired to fight. The skeletons were struggling to get rid of their dark selves ; no one knew them better than themselves. The shadow forms were spitting out their most shameful thoughts. 
« Just give up. »

« I did. »

« Why bother ? After all, I'm the worst...»
 
« Nothing will change. »
 Anger pulsed in Sans' magic, boosting his fighting capacities as it did. It had its voice, speaking in its ears like the demons in his head. Back to grip at his throat, pin him down, force him under its wicked will trying to rip his soul apart like they did in the past as they reminded him of his fears. This time though, he wouldn't bend. After he dodged an attack while holding onto his broken rib, he pinned the monstrous version of himself to the wall with a red aura. Behind him towered a Gaster Blaster over them. « Sorry to break it to ya buddy, but plans have changed. I've got a reason to keep going. As for you, you can go to hell. » He watched with a smirk as his double was desintegrated by the beam of his Blaster. Meanwhile, Papyrus barely avoided his opponent's. Just like his brother, his copy was telling him venominous things, was revealing his most hidden feelings. 
« There's nothing in this world worth believing. »

« I'll kill everyone that stands in my way. »

« Don't feel. Feeling is weakness. »
 
« Mercy's for the weak. »
 Papyrus grimaced upon hearing those words. How dared it expose the thoughts that he buried in the back of his head while wearing his face ? He empaled the shadow through its ribcage. « Silence, fucker. » He growled. « How dare you spew this shit in my name ? Also, you're quite late to the party : I'm not scared anymore. I am strong enough to keep my brother safe and I found something worth believing in, so eat shit and DIE ! » His last words were pronounced in his special attack, his voice booming so close to the shadow that it could do nothing but splash around like a pond of black matter.Papyrus then noticed his brother had also won over his own dark version. They looked at each other, both panting, and couldn't help but smile in relief ; they finally made peace with themselves the moment they killed their demons. But that moment of bliss was brief for the ruckus of crushing rocks caught their attention.The demon had been trying to desorientate Asriel with a powerful gust of wind made with its wings in vain for the God remained strong and hard to impress. « Frisk, are you in there ? » He asked. The creature didn't reply. It only ordered shadows to battle its worthy opponent that only needed to use blasting lights to cast them away, before he summoned a circle of flames around what used to be his friend. The beast looked around upon noticing the trap. But that would definitively not stop it from moving. In fact, it passed through the fire on purpose, no matter how would it burn its skin.It tore Asriel's heart seeing his dear friend in this state. It couldn't end like this... Not this way... Could it...? « I know you're in there, Frisk... You can't have entirely disappeared, can you ? Please, listen to me. Listen to my voice ! It's me, your bestfriend ! » The creature frowned. Hearing him was driving the demon mad, so it roared at him in return but still, Asriel didn't even bat an eye. His face wore a sad smile instead. « I beg of you, Frisk, hear me ! You haven't gone through all this to give up, have you ? » Throughout his plea, what he was calling Frisk entered in an enraged mode. It was about to rush at its enemy when a wave of flashing memories made it still. It held its head while its screams filled with pain and anger bounced against the walls of the room. It even sounded like it was crying. Asriel grimaced at this, yet, he kept on smiling as he spread his arms in the beast's direction. « I know how horrible it was. We know about what you went through... And we understand your actions, your emotions... Everything. » The demonic animal hiccuped and moaned. Its voice, not even human, sounded lonely and broken. It reminded Asriel of his mother's cries. «I̵͈̝͐̅̅̾̚͝ ̴̫̬͛͂͛̄͑͒̍̚͝d̶̪̻̣͑̅̈́̕͠o̷̱̍̂̓͒͘̚ņ̶̨̤̟̫̝̿̏̍̈͜'̸͉̹̪̻͓̖̗̻̗̓͛͆ţ̴̠̯͛͗ ̶̛̫̺͍͚͚̓̔͝ẃ̵͈͑̊͐̃̾͌̕a̸̹̦͈͉̩̥͔͌͐n̵̠̍͊͋̾͌͂͑̽̋̕ẗ̶̥̜̯̤̓̒̔̂͝͠͝ ̶͈̼̄̌̔̄ţ̸̤̜̮͈͙̫̖͈̊̎̍͛͜o̸̺̫͓̞̬̻͆͜ͅ ̵̠̠̏̏̑́̀͝͝ḥ̶͒̒e̴̡͚̱̔͐̐̄̍̍a̷͕͚̻͑̈́̋͋̎̒͝ř̵̢̭̰͕̥̙̆̀͐̾ ̴̧̙̥̭̫̤͖̟͆̋͆͐̑̕͠͠a̷̙̻͆̊̈́͛̈́̊̄̅͠ñ̵̠͔͎̪͜y̸̡̖̾̔̓̚m̶̡̪̼̝̲̮̙̻̌̈o̸̢̘͔̻̲͆̊̀̃͌̾r̸̢̧̪̣̈́̊̎̕̕͝͝͝ȅ̷̢̯̊.̵̡̟̫̹̍̃̌.̵̢̛͈͈̼̗͎̦͗̿̀̋̔̐̇.̴͈̹͈̟̣̦̪͎͋̓͐̀̈̑̚̚͜͝ ̴̱͔͙̯̋͗̽ » An echo... The paused attacks in its moment of weakness allowed everyone to watch the scene and hear the Lost Soul's bestial yet heartwrenching voice. «  ̸̢̱̤͙̳̣̦̼̙̻̉̄̓̈́̔̀̆͐I̶̡̠̙̻͇̯̪̰̺͒̆̋͌̇͌͒̕̕͜͝ ̸̢̲̝̘͉͙̋̉̐̽͋͆͐d̶̢͔̩̹̼̱͛͛̈͠ǫ̵̳͂̀̋ͅņ̶̧͇̯̫͖͖̼͕̳̈́̋̽͑͋̾̌̈'̷͔͇͌̅͆̑̔͂̈́͌ṭ̴̹̻̜͙̏͒̉̋̃͛̌̽͝͝ ̷̢̘͕̪̳w̴̱̹̥͓̗̩̒͑̓ą̷̯̱̘̇͊̑ǹ̷̨̢̩̩͚͇̹͈̤͆̏̇͠t̶͍̟͍͔̦͈̺̜̃̏ ̴̡̣͚̺̮͍͖̎͂̍̒̈́͠ţ̶̡̠̥̙̲̏̎͌̅͛͐̍̅͠ő̷̢̟̺̇̀͐͌̕ ̴̡̤͓̖̟͐̽̆̾̎͊ͅs̴̨̘̭͕͙̖̍͜e̵̢̨̯̥̻͛̆̄̚̕͝ͅe̷̝̬͖͇̪̰̣̍̿ ̶͍̤͉̱̉͋͆͑̌͛̈́͝a̸̡̭̤̯͓͍̭̝̹̳̿n̴̪̯͖̲͐̈͠y̴̳̫͓̥͑̀̀̾̓̉́̀m̷͓̯̊̄͐̀̅̊̍ȍ̵̭̍̈̔͐̏͠ř̶͇͚͔͎̯̺̻̼͍͂̈͒̃e̴̞̘͉͗̄̓.̸̞̤͇̄̈̓̈͋̄̽͂ͅ.̶̛͖͂̌̈́͠͝.̵̡̜̉̈́̌ ̴̰̳͔̋̿̇̐̅̄̓̋̂. » Its face was hidden behind its long hands. Hair floating in the air, the deadly strands of it shot around to hold onto the walls for the creature couldn't fly on its own anymore as it was drowning in its memories, letting the rest of its attacks drop completely in the process.  « I̸̛̲̥̦̼͇̫̒̔̐͜.̸̡̛̪͙͔̭̗̐͌̄͆̈́.̵̡͎̬̽͆̃̒̕͝.̴̛̣̤͖͇̰̮̏͊͐͠ ̸̢̢̢͛̀͒̚Ḋ̴̳̹̤̟͂̃̆̐͘͠ơ̵̯͑̑̀͋͑̓͠n̸̨̢̜͔͇̣̦͓̈́̅̌́̈́̐͜͠'̶̨͉͓͔̣̺̟͇͔̫͛̐̓̄̚t̷͚̿ͅ ̴̹̂ŵ̵͚̙͎̗̦̹̬͙̅ͅạ̴̝̙͇̲̻̪̱̌͌̉̽̆͊̈́̑̌ň̴̨̧̨͍̗̳̟̫̯̂̿̍̍͗̇̓̚̚t̸̠̗̅͛̔ ̵̢̟͗̓̾͌t̷̡͉̓̊̽̌́̈́͌͘͠o̸̢̤͆̐̂̽͝ͅ ̴̜͚̟̯̭̂̀͜͝f̶̧̞̖͑̾̑͜ḝ̴͚̹̲̱͊e̶̺̓͘l̶̰̝̤̔̍͐̓͋͌̑̑̕͝ ̷͇̅̒̌͂̇̇̓̎͘a̷̛̦̖͖̮̍̓̌̅̔̅͗n̷͈͍͙̺̖̻͈͗͊̀͜͝y̸̠̭̱͍̆͌̉͝͝m̵̧̫̝̭̠̘̾̆͆̌o̸̢̨͋̉r̸̻̪̟̰̀͗̓̉͐̈̈̓̾̿e̶̮̳̮͎͇͒̓̂̊̾̑̾͋.̴̣̘̗̊̿͊͌͂̆̚͝.̵̨͕͗̎̽͐͐.̵̡̡̣̠̹͙̟̹͎̬̾̂̏͘ »  Asriel hated how Frisk was hurting. All this pain, the misery they carried... His heart split further at the display of their broken state. The demon slowly lifted its head off its hands. Its whole demeanor changed ; it seemed lost, defeated. It's as if it forgot where it was, its unfocused gaze up to the sky in search of something that it would never find.  « M̵̦͍̺̓̆̉͛̇̃̂̏ŏ̶̡̼͈͈͖̹͕̱̚̚͝t̴͚̓̔̐ḩ̷͙͈͎̬͔̟͎͛̓̋̏̈͛̎ę̶̨͈͓̪̞̜̏̐̿́̾̏̚͝r̸̨̃̈̃͗̂͐̆.̵̮͙̭͔͈̀̀̆̿̎͠͠.̸̜̮̭̱̲͚̲̝̂̈́̾͛͂́.̵̛̙̰͌̽̌̀͂͗̓͘ 
Ṃ̵̝̙͖̣̂̈ͅơ̴̹̪̦̮̝̯͚̟̜̓̿̇͒͝t̴͉̘͇͈͉̬̣͝h̵̤̲̫͙̯͔͑̏̕ë̸̢̛͉͇̜̜́̋̌̐̓̾͝ŗ̶̛̳̥̠̱̝͊̈́̇̇͑̍̒͝,̴͈̞̎̔̔͋̇̽ ̸̻͈͕̺̦̰̞̟̓͛͗̈̈̌͠ẉ̷̛̰̘̄̓̕̚̕͜͝ḩ̵̲̦̮̙̭͐̏́͗̾ẹ̴̬̩̯̄̎̆̉̀̇͝r̶̹͈̘̃͘̚e̵̛̝̟̰̤͌͒͊͝ ̴̢̢̭͕̼͈͚͖̭̐̀̎̎̿͌̓̍͛ä̷̹͖̜̺̻̪̺̯́̾̓̔̌͜r̷̨͎̾͘̚ȩ̸̰̹̤̖̻̗̥͎̱̎̿̚ ̷̜̺̝̃͑́̌y̴̢̰̘̝͈͈̮̒͂̐̏͂͆̆̿o̸̙͎̪͔̝̪̻̓̔͊̎͘͘͝u̶̡̡͚͙̝̻͚̦͋̃͂͝͝ ̷̛̹̖͍̪̤̱̭̘͚̙̔̈́̍̔̈́̕?̷̙̣̔̌̾͝
 
H̷̢̞̪̤̐͗̇̉̄͠ě̸̛̳̣̹̬͓̩̈́͝ ̸̛͕̆͂̆̏̔̎d̵͍͛i̷̧̓̕d̶̪͓͌̽̀̐̓ͅñ̵̮̏̈̓͒̓͝'̶͎̺̩͂̔̾ţ̷̢͔̳̰̤͕̮̫̐̈̔̂̑ ̶̛̪̻͇͕̮̘͓̺̇̏̓̈́̋̒͑̚͠u̴͎̜̣̙̭̭̪̼͂͛͊̃͜͠͝ş̸̹̗̙͙̽̀̍̊̚͝ȩ̶̨̙͔͐̀̌̎́̕
 
̸̢̡̤̻̯̩̉͠t̵͉̠͇̩͔̤̟̭́̈́̈͗̒̉͆͛ͅő̸̧̲͎̤͕͙̺̖̘͊̋̑̍͒̈͝ͅ ̴̦̳͈̣̤̊̄̑̓͛̓̉̇̒̆l̷̨̯̭͖̗̞̮̑͛̄̾͛̇͒͌ŏ̵͔̯̟̘̫̲̜͕̪̂̕ͅv̵̮̼̋͑͛͗̈́͂̓̃̂͝ͅe̸̻̠͎͆̑ ̶̨̢̼̼̼͉̩̙̰̞̈́̐̎͝m̸̧̪̫̣͕̬̠͇͊̃̽̕e̴̛̘
 ̴̧͕̬̰͉̹͊̔̒̈́̀͒͛̐l̴̢̜̏î̶̘͇̚k̴̨͓̩̗̦͊̃ę̷̧͙̱͚͋̓̿͌͌͝͠ ̶̧͓̫̱͓͕̻̪̞͔͋͒͆̂̌̑̕͠ṭ̴͆̄̏̚h̷̢̩̫͍̠͚͂̎̎ḭ̴̧̨̧̠̳̗̠̤̲͗̃̂̏̉̊̈s̷̡̛̞̼̺͉̩̮̜̒.̸̨͂͂̀.̴̜̜̃̿̐̄̄͑̒͆͘͜.̴̱̪̻̺̆̒̚͜ » On its cheeks ran rivers of putrid liquid that were staining its dead-looking skin. Its face contorted in pain and fear, its jaws clenched tight. « S̴̪̻͚̠̪̠̘̮͂͒͊̆̌̊̾̕͜͝o̵̞͌̐̇̊͛̅͑ͅm̴͖̟̠͖̭̠͔̹̱̈͊͛e̸̟̹̖͍̤̬͑̋̎͐̋o̶̲͖̩͍̐͌̓̍͑̚n̴̺͙͎̱̙̮͉̙̺͒̈́̃̈́̍͛͘ě̷̢̨͎̣̞͚͚͈͉̙͗.̴͈̪͙͇̪̦͎̤͇̞͛̾̽̈́.̶̹̲̗̈̅̾̍͛͋̓͌̏̕.̶̢͚̘̝̩͔̻̊͒̈́́̔ ̵̡̗͇͍̗̮͐̆Ȉ̵̟̱͇̣͙̿̅ş̸̲̮̩̥͚̓̈́̋͠ ̸͖̹̘̦̘̭̭͇ṭ̶͙̤̝̞͍͔͒̈́̐̈́̀̕̚ḥ̸̛̦̥̙̫̠̫̱͐͜ě̶̱r̷̮̱̹̺̪͖͔͊͋͛e̵̲̜͓̱̙̖̹̓̓̂͘͠ ̸̜̹̤̉̇͌̿̈́͠s̷̝̞̰̄͛̈́̿͋ǫ̷̠͙͗͐̇͐̾̓̉̚m̶̫̱͉͛͆͗͂͊̊͗̓͝͝e̷͙̱͈̳̜̟̙̥̳͂́͘ō̶̢̫̝͙͇̝̤̼̲̏͊̏̐̈͆ņ̷̯̰̹͔̼̂̅͋̓̂̽̋e̵͎͖̝͉͈̯͚̳̙̋̏́̑̈́̚͝͝ ̷̨͉̟̝̝̑t̸͕͎̝̘͙̰̃̾̑̎̉̕͜ő̴̦̬͍͔̰ ̵͎̞͆̎̚͘s̴̨̥̜͈̈́̊̀ͅͅä̸̢̠̱͝v̴͓̬͍̘̹̭͚̱͌̆̉͋͛͐͜ẹ̸̢̮̪̃ͅ ̵̠͔͉̘̠̳̅͒̓̋̈̄̉̕͜͝m̶̨̢͉̣͇̥̜̯̼̣̌͌̄̓̎̕͝ę̴͔͈̩̘̈͛̈́̐̇͌̋͑͝ͅ ̶͈̻̙̹͕̠̬͔̰̉͒̊͝?̴̢̤̆̋͆̆̎̕ ̴͖͈̻͔̭̻̼̈́̎̈́̐̅̏̕͝P̸̼̻̊l̶͉̬̰͔̿͑̄͂e̵̛̱͕͈̲̟͐̉̈͛́̽͝å̸̭͙͕̘̜͔͒s̴̪̙͇̦̀̓͊͒ͅe̵͙̘͚̞̙͑͊̉̄͂͝͠͝.̵̜̞͔͙̰̄̿͜.̶̤̻̜̮̖͎̉̓̆̿̑̂́̇͊.̷̢̳̥̳̫͂̄͊̎̕ » A tear fell down the goat Prince's face. It was too much to bear. But... « Frisk... This isn't you. The Frisk I know was merciful. They were Caring, Brave. Patient and Fair. Persevering and Determined. And so much more ! Don't let go of all that, Frisk ! You're way better than what you think. Way better than what the others made you believe. » The words he spoke to the beast drew more cries, but this time, they sounded higher, almost human sounding even. It was holding its head again in renewed struggles. It was working. The creature was responding to his friend's plea.Seeing that Asriel's tactic was working, now was the chance for Sans, who stood next to his brother, to shout at the vengeful spirit's attention. « He's right, sweetheart ! You managed to bring the best out of me ! You spared so many of us when you could just have taken revenge, and yet- man, you only offered your kindness in return. And your smile... It's worth the universe. Hell, I'd even sit there and spend hours telling you how dear you are to me... You gave me Hope in this forsaken world ! Show me your battles weren't in vain, honey ! I'm still rooting for ya' ! » A hiccup escaped the human-looking monster. It spread its wings to prepare an attack as it was losing its inner fight. It wanted it to stop. It wanted them to stop tearing them apart like this... That's when Papyrus decided to join the battle. « And you taught me violence wasn't the road to take ! You taught me how to be stronger ! You taught me the true meaning of living, how to forgive, how to spare ! You've an example for us to follow... You gave me a true purpose, you saved me ! I... Love how gentle you are, and the loving in your eyes... And your singing... I can't possibly forget about that... I beg of you, human ! Don't forget who you were when you came down here ! » The devil finally snapped, their scream of suffering and rage ripping through the air, the blasting voice ravaging everything in its ray but before it could reach the skelebros, a form appeared between them to block out the attack with arms extended. It was the Devil's nemesis, the God of HyperLife, shining bright with huge magnificient white wings and in an ethereal robe made of white clothing and golden armor that accentuated his heavenly Lich form, beautiful and reassuring, his aura comforting and warm just like an Angel. His face wore a soft expression of Hope and Love. « Frisk, you're in there... And we're here for you. » The beast did its best not to burst into tears as its powers increased tenfold in strength in hope to hurt the God that was standing up against it. Between their clenching jaws escaped infuriated screams while ink-like black tears kept coursing down its face endlessly. « I'm so alone. » Frisk's voice echoed, so weak, so exhausted. « So... Afraid... » Asriel could see in their perfored chest the weak sparkle of who he used to watch over, still there, trapped deep down inside this malicious form. The creature's expression kept twisting throughout its struggles. He could see Frisk's true face. An Angel crying for salvation. They called for help.   And Asriel would come. So his quivering smile spread while his vision blurred with all the water in his eyes. « I know, Frisk... But you don't need to be alone anymore... You don't need to be afraid anymore ! We're here with you. We're here to protect you. So please, Frisk... Come back with us. We love you. »

The demon sobbed always harder to the point it couldn't keep up with the attacks so it progressively reduced the assaults, as it closed its eyes and hiccuped from the intense cries. Its voice sounding like Frisk's again but ghost-like as it echoed in the room. « I'm so sorry, everyone... » Frisk whispered. « I can't... »« Of course you can, Frisk ! » Asriel exclaimed. « Don't let go of who you are ! You can do it, as long as you hold onto your Determination ! We believe in you. You're not alone, we'll always be here to catch you when you fall. I won't let you down, you hear ? Because I'm your bestfriend ! » He caught his breath. Crying took so much energy, he forgot about that. So he inhaled deeply to calm his nerves, then he opened his eyes on his struggling enemy with a loving smile. « I'll never let you down, that's why... I'm determined. Determined to save you, Frisk !! » His angelic wings spread as he spoke, his hands extended in the direction of his crying opponent. Its body was shaking as it resisted against its inner torture. Meanwhile, a ray of light charged in the God of HyperLife. Everyone's heart was beating as one. Agitated magic was in the air, but also... Kindness, Bravery, Patience, Integrity, Justice, Perseverance, Determination and Hope. The souls inside Asriel were giving him all the support, while the Devil was tortured by the same ones. It was covering its ears with its hands to block their hateful words out to no avail. Frisk was calling for help. The blinding light pierced through the hole in the middle of their chest. With the violence of the impact, the creature bent backwards. It felt the loving magic tear from within the darkness that was swallowing it whole. Right this instant, the bright light shone through the demon's chest so strongly that witnesses had to look away if they considered their eyes precious.The next second, the light let place to a human looking creature breaking out of the dreadful form that melted into a black goop on the ground. The little one had average white wings and was dressed in white and golden ornaments from head to toe with a veil attached to their head ornament that floated around them.The Angel stayed curled up with hands hiding their face during their weeping.Their body was covered in black spots, their head was spared but only for a certain time. When Frisk realized they came back to their real self, they took their hands away from their eyes to take a look over them. « I'm back ? » They softly asked to themself. Then, they looked around. The room was a disaster. What happened here ? Were they the one who caused this ?Asriel's final action to save his friend had him to lose his ultimate form and now here he was kneeling down on the ground exhausted. We could have seen him sweating from the efforts he made if he didn't have fur covering his tired face. The skeleton brothers were in a really bad shape, and Asgore...? He was no better. Frisk finally reached the destroyed ground just when they spotted Chara waiting patiently nearby on their right. « You... » The God of the Dead nodded. « Asriel brought you back thanks to the Human Souls that he returned to you. Still, it doesn't mean that you are saved yet. Now, little one, accomplish your mission, so you can find real salvation. » So they would be saved, in the end... Frisk nodded silently but not without a relieved smile. They spared a glance over their friends. The monsters were all staring at the spiritual being. The skeletons were doing their best to stand up with all their wounds, a question of honor and pride on their part. Asriel was close to the human, his gaze locked on them with apprehension while they were turning in the direction of the barrier. The Angel approached and walked carefreely by Asgore who was still off to the side, frozen in shock from the past events. His cheeks were wet with the cries he shed, yet, given his distraught look, he may have not realized it.The small human stopped a few feet away. They didn't know if it was possible to do it, if they were up to the task even... That's why when they outstretched their arms, they didn't find the strength to destroy the Barrier.They bit their lip down. It wouldn't work, would it ?Sensing the doubt taking over Frisk, Asriel walked up to them and the friends met eyes. « You can do it, Frisk. You have the power now. » He whispered to them. The quiet Angel nodded timidly in return. They may not show it, but that display of support really helped with easing their anxiety because a few seconds after focusing, their feet lifted off the ground. They levitated with their wings spread, and soon, their aura that was so weak began to shine brightly. The wait wasn't long before the Barrier, which looked like a wall of light within a medieval castle doorway, cracked through and through then shattered like glass. Frisk was relieved to discover a corridor behind the obstacle once it was gone. A blinding light was coming from this direction to bathe the desolated place. The winged human turned around to look at their loved ones, only for Asriel to take a few steps back when he got to see their face. They didn't know that the black spots were already covering their entire body. « Sweetheart... » Sans breathed out. That's when the Angel felt a pain awakening in their chest. Their grunts as they tried to hide it began shouts and strangled noises within seconds as it intensified until it was unbearable. « They broke the Barrier, didn't they ? » Papyrus shouted at Chara's attention. The Angel of Death's wings were wide open, their scythe held with both hands.« They did. »« So what the fuck is happening !? » Papyrus finally snapped.« They're running out of time. That is why I need you to let me handle this. » The God replied, their attention remaining on the struggling Angel as they spoke. Although they were dying to help, they had to oblige because of the events that happened a few moments ago. Sans couldn't take any more damage, and Papyrus needed to keep his remaining force in case shit hit the fan again. « Little one. You kept your promise and finally reached the end of your Journey. Now, I shall hold onto our contact and grant your wish. » The Deity was hovering over their little subject. They were ready to reap the small Angel when they found the strength to protest through their torment. « Wait ! » The sudden objection stopped Chara half way through their action. Frisk was holding their own chest tight as if it would suffocate the raging fire in there. Their gaze met the God's one. « I- I want to change my wish ! I changed my mind, I don't want to die anymore ! » They looked at their friends with tears welling up in their eyes. « I want to be with the ones I love ! » Then, the little one turned back towards the Deity. « Please... I beg of you... » Chara remained silent, first taken aback before they closed their eyelids. « I'm sorry. But the rules are the rules. I cannot change your wish. » Now, it was the monsters who were revolting. « What the fuck ! After all what they've been through for your so-called mission, you can't even do that ? Come on ! »« We've all broken rules for this very moment. » Papyrus added, as furious as his sibling. « Is that too much to ask of you to make an exception ? » Just for a brief moment, Chara lost their composure. Their expression turned apologetic before they regained control and appeared once again detached and unphased. Being a God of Death was such a burden. It was unfair, Chara knew it more than anyone, but...They turned their gaze away from the monsters. Their silence was evidence of their refusal to execute their demand. That's when a tearing sound disrupted the silence and the next second, they blocked with their scythe a blast from Sans' Gaster Blaster.They knew the brothers would be mad. Asriel, on the other hand, didn't expect the attack on his adopted sibling. All attentions were on the skeleton monsters now, even the agonizing angel watched them. « Let them change their wish, fucking disgrace ! » Papyrus roared. It was his turn to summon attacks on the Deity in vain, for although they could block them out like they were nothing without having to lift a finger to do it, the attacks would stop and break upon impact on their body anyway.And the skeleton monsters kept at it in desperate hope to break through whatever shield protected the entity while insulting them. Until a voice called the God. « Chara ! » The concerned one turned to make eye contact with their brother, the one who used to be their best friend. He was kneeling down. At this moment, the brothers stopped attacking to let him speak up. Their heavy breathing from anger and exhaustion was audible. « I beg of you ! Let Frisk be with the ones they love ! They don't deserve to disappear like this, please, let them be finally happy ! » Frisk sobbed in their hands at their companion's attempts while they've been struggling not to fall back into their demonic form. Chara was about to refuse, when their most precious friend cut them off, as he kept talking. « You only grant wishes for the dead, right ? Fine, I'm one of the dead ! So I'll make my own wish ! » Frisk took their hands away from their face on these words, wearing the same shocked expression as Chara and the others. « Asriel... » The Angels whispered in unison when they saw the goat monster's most miserable expression ever with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.« I want Frisk to be with the ones they love ! I'll give you anything ! Even if it means that I have to break our promise, I want their wish to be mine ! » This time, Chara faced him fully. They weren't expecting such a twist when they should have, especially from their brother. Only then they expressed the heartbreak they were bearing inside. « Asriel, no... You... If I do that, you... »« I know what will happen once the contract is made. As long as Frisk finds happiness this is a price I'm willing to pay ! I beg of you ! » Meanwhile, Frisk yelped for their legs started to dissolve into glistening dust. Chara remained silent with tears welling up in their distraught gaze that they blinked away when they found a semblance of composure. « Is this what you really wish for ? » They asked him.« Yes. » He immediately replied at the same time he nodded slightly. The Angel of Death closed their eyes for a while to register Asriel's wish.« Understood. » Then they opened their ruby eyes and spread their wings simultaneously. They were now standing in front of the pleading monster. « Asriel Dreemurr, you chose to use your wish for the sake of another soul which allows them to stay by their beloved ones' side. The price for such a wish will be your essence; you will be erased from this universe. You won't go in Heaven, nor in Hell. You'll simply stop existing. Is that the price you're ready to pay for, for the sake of your dear friend ? »« Yes. » He replied in a heartbeat.« Asriel, no... » Frisk whimpered. « You can't do that... You... Don't deserve such a fate...! And- what will I do without you ? What about our promise ? » Asriel smiled softly at the tears Frisk was shedding for him. Right then he could say he was finally at peace. « Frisk, it's okay. I finally know why I'm here. I found my purpose in this world and it's thanks to you. » He closed his eyes. « You won't be on your own anymore, for if you love me, I'll continue living within your heart. I'm not breaking our promise. I'll still be with you no matter what. » He opened his eyes to look at his weeping friend. « I'm glad that I found the best friend ever. » On these words, the goat turned his attention over his sibling who walked closer to kneel down. Two hands resting on each side of his soft furry face, Asriel addressed to his father. « Dad... Once you'll be on the Surface... Please, use our sacrifice for an era of peace. That's my only request. » His father didn't say a thing for he couldn't fathom the idea of wasting a single second of not listening to his long lost children's voices, if it wasn't for the fact that he was unable to even speak because of the overflow of conflicting emotions that left him frozen with tears that flooded his wide eyes.Asriel smiled at Chara. « We'll always be together from now on... Won't we ? » He caught the sight of a tear gently rolling down his sibling's face as they were closing in. « Indeed. »« Good. » Asriel closed his eyes when their lips joined in a goodbye kiss. The next second, the monster and the God dissolved into glistening dust.At the same moment, the weeping Angel called their friends. They were floating against their will now that their legs were half way gone as well. Sans, Papyrus and soon A.D rushed in their direction, all of them alarmed and panicked. « It didn't stop !! Is it... too late ? » The terrified angel looked at the skeletons. They outstretched their hand in their friends' direction in a desperate gesture for help, while they flapped their wings in hope to reach the ground again.The brothers ran towards them. « Sweetheart ! » One shouted.« Human ! » The other one cried at the same time. Sans reached for Frisk's hand, yet only brushed their fingertips for they were too high for him to reach. Thankfully, Papyrus caught the Angel and although the contact hurt them both, he pulled them back onto the solid ground. Sans hastily laid a helping hand to keep the Angel grounded as they all kneeled down, only to yelp at the intense sting that coursed his fingers so suddenly. « Oh no, you shouldn't touch me, it's going to consume you too...! » At that warning, they let go of the little one. They looked so fragile when they were kneeling down like this, so vulnerable in front of those monsters who just fought Hell itself. They were in such a bad shape too... Remorse was gnawing at the Angel's soul. « I'm so sorry for all of this... » They whispered. The monsters crawled closer to them.« Please, don't go... » Sans begged so weakly with tears blurring his vision. Papyrus' mouth quivered in his attempt not to cry, he fought ferociously not to make a peep while their dog indulged itself with small whimpers and whines. Frisk was looking at them with a broken smile.« I'm sorry... » They took a deep breath. Their legs were gone. A soft, clear sound like cristal emanated from them as their body slowly dissolved. « Can you do something for me ? » The brothers nodded. « If... If the King decides to attack once you are outside... Please, remember what I said about mercy... And take a lovely house, somewhere where you can be safe... And if you find a human... Offer them a cup of tea ? » Tears were now falling. They wanted to touch this little creature, hold them close and stop this horrible, cruel time, so they could stay together for eternity. « We'll do that. » Sans replied with a heart-wrenching smile despite the magical water running down his cheekbones. « Having a house in the countryside sounds nice. » Frisk chuckled softly. They turned their gaze over Papyrus who nodded silently at Sans' response.« And you... » They resumed talking. « If there's peace between Monsterkind and Humanity... I'm sure you'll own the greatest national restaurant that everyone will travel for. The best chefs will want to work with you, I can feel it in my bones ! »« Frisk... » Papyrus weakly called. Frisk couldn't help but be surprised at first, then smiled in relief through the tears that were finally running down their cheeks.« Oh... You finally called me by my name... » They breathed out. Their body was halfway gone. « I'm so... Happy... » The little soul also wanted to touch them, embrace them, wipe away the rivers that were flooding their tortured face... That is why their hands, that also started turning into nothingness, raised but stopped before their fingers could lay on them. This was the closest they could get without hurting their loved ones.The rest of their body started to shine. « Remember, my dear friends... As long as there's hope... » Their voice was growing weaker, yet they kept going. « … this is not... the end. » A sincere smile crept up on their angelic features. « I'll... miss you... »

In a heartbeat, both Sans and Papyrus threw their arms to catch Frisk right when they bursted into glistening dust.Shock was the only emotion that could reflect on their features, as they watched what used to be their most precious treasure float around in particles. No one was in their arms. Only cold air. Their soul tore at the realization. That crushing reality that the fragile one was gone. They were gone. Screams tore through their throat, just like they ripped through the whole castle for the one they lost. Birds seemed have long stopped singing to listen to the wails of broken entities. Monsters outside could hear the echoes of their haunting screams and for once, they stood still like weeping statues in respect for those tortured souls. They listened quietly to the heart-wrenching cries until finally, the echoes died down. And just like that, silence fell upon the Underground. Like this one day, when Heaven fell.  ✧✦✧  Nobody knew what happened exactly that day. Next evening, people woke up with no memory whatsoever... No one, not even Asgore, knew why the six souls were gone, and how the Barrier was destroyed. Another thing changed, or more likely, another person changed... The King, who acted strange. He who was known for being a mad tyrant, made an announcement to his subjects regarding his stance on War. He declared that he wanted to check on Humanity first and eventually, try and offer peace between the two species. He actually stated that he was ready to give Humanity a second chance. He had a destabilizing glint in his eyes. A spark of clarity. For the first time in decades, no, centuries, the King Asgore seemed to be finally at peace. Quickly, the Underground went vacant. Though most Monsters left to live on the Surface lands, there were still volunteering souls wandering down there after a couple months or so, for adapting to a once monster free land needed time and ressources. And although most Monsters remained around their home land for survival and politic purposes, nobody knew where the skeleton brothers went ever since the Awakening. They simply vanished. The King made it an oathe to protect his subjects from harm, and to ensure that, he was given the title of Ambassador of Monsterkind and worked towards acceptance and monster rights since Day 1. He made amends and followed the Human laws in good faith for he had to set an example for his kind. Over the years, Asgore travelled to meet foreign leaders with Alliance projects so his people could have a bright future as he promised, in a world that they had yet to discover.  So this world could be a place for their Hopes and Dreams.