Father

by chiggit9

Summary:

Hate is a strong word.

Oh it’s such a strong word.

But alas, it corrupts those who hold it within.

Watch as those you know crumble to the power it doesn’t have.

Four who hate will rise together and show the power of Love.

But this is real life. There are no games. No resets. No retries.

They have one shot.

If they can’t learn to get along, no one will ever be able to do that again.

And chances are, they won’t win.

Chapter 1: Ceremony

3 years ago…

 

Murmurs whispered from the crowd of monsters gathered at the exit to the mountain. Some were curious, some were hesitant, others just couldn’t wait to see them again.

A voice shouted from behind as the monsters gave way to the entrance.

“Welcome to our 5th ceremony of the fallen humans!” Asgore bellowed, clad in an admittedly tight tuxedo and dress pants. It was clear being fancy wasn’t exactly his best strong suit.

“We have gathered here today to welcome the next human who will awaken and find themselves right here in front of us.”

Whispers and quiet shuffles cascaded from the crowd.

“Now, I know exactly what you are thinking,” Asgore laughed haphazardly, “This could go wrong like it did last time, times… few times. Remember, those humans were understandably scared. We all know what happened, so we need to give them a break.”

Asgore started sweating, thinking about a particular individual who didn’t like him coming through those doors. In reality it was a 50/50 if it would go well. Despite it being a bad thing, he felt himself start to hope that it wasn’t that person coming through those doors

A couple head nods later…

“Now, these last two are the souls of Justice and Kindness, both whom had given their souls to use willingly in our time of desperate need. They will not be scared or frightened, but simply excited to see that their cause did not go in vain! One of them will walk through those doors and we will welcome them with open arms.”

The crowd erupted in applause. Asgore smiled and looked down at his son Asriel.

He whispered quietly to him, “Now I do know that last time it was pretty rough for you, but I absolutely promise that it won’t be bad this time. It will be fine.”

 

Asriel didn’t believe him.

Asriel didn’t believe anyone at this point.

They were all liars like he was.

Asgore was a liar.

Toriel was a liar.

Papyrus was a pathologically superior liar; so far in fact that he doesn’t lie to others but believes his own lies to himself.

…

Undyne lied about the littlest things.

And Alphys… oh Alphys. Even now she still lied to him. He knew there was no cure and she still tried to suck him up like she did those amalgamates of hers down to oblivion.

But he could tell. Oh, he could tell. He had been around them so much that he could tell even when they were lying to themselves.

He put his head down - his neck choking on his tight tuxedo collar - and thought.

He needed to stop. He was becoming angry again. He didn’t need to be angry.

Asriel looked up again, seeing the smile on his Dad’s face. By god he didn’t deserve it but somehow it was the best the timeline could have went. He was still king, reconnected with his wife, and got his son back. He was lucky beyond all standards.

Just hopefully Clover doesn’t come down those doors.

Asriel put on a smile and leapt off the stage, hoping to find something to satiate his anxiety. There were concessions, different activity games, and a stage for Mettaton. Mettaton wasn’t here though. In fact, Mettaton actually never came.

He noticed a group of monsters who were particularly excited for the arrival of a certain individual. He had seen them come several times, always slightly disappointed. Despite how bad it was to say, he hoped they were wrong today as well.

He suddenly saw Toriel run up to him.

“Asriel! I’m sorry I was late. I was helping with the concessions earlier. I baked you your favorite pie!”

Asriel looked up at her. The way her head blocked the sun so it came off the edges like she was glowing made her look just like she used to when he was a lot younger. Her smile was always the most genuine. It seemed on days like this she was only the brightest. Who needed the sun or a swelterstone when Toriel was around?

But him, no, he still frowned.

“Oh honey what’s wrong?” She ushered him somewhere private and knelt down in front of him.

Asriel remained stone cold.

Toriel sighed. “Look, I know exactly why you’re worried. You think it’s going to go bad like the other 4 times, but our chances are very high. We have Clover’s friends to intercept him before he sees Asgore and if Cody comes he’s naturally a passive person so it won’t be bad.”

Asriel look at her, seemingly unconvinced.

“You don’t know-“

Toriel held Asriel by the shoulders, staring him into his eyes.

“Just please trust me. I know you’ve been through a lot but sooner or later you have to trust someone. At least trust me. I only have your benefit in mind.”

The silence that followed was overbearing. Asriel used to be so cheerful, but now he was a husk of what he once was; just a soul living in a body. A new soul.

Toriel bit her lips, thinking of something to say. It was hard to pick the right words.

“It-.”

“Will all be okay.” Asriel interrupted. “Everyone around here is the exact same, Mom. Everyone says the exact same things I think they’ll say without fail. Nobody has changed. No one except me. I’m just an outcast. I even know what you’ll say.”

Toriel frowned.

“Is that really a bad thing? You know everyone here. Use that to your advantage… now run along. It’s almost time.”

Asriel ran off to the concessions.

 

Great.

Toriel didn’t know what to do with him.

She looked over seeing Papyrus and Sans goofing off, Asgore painstakingly answering dumb questions with dumb answers, and… oh right. The rest were gone.

At least those few over by the barrier doors seemed very excited. She hoped that they would get their wish today.

She walked over to them.

“Hello, I am Toriel, caretaker and guardian of the…” she nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. “Well not anymore. Anyways…”

“Well Howdy Queen Toriel!” The mayor of Eastwood spoke up, wading his way through a bunch of western themed decorations. They were closer to the point of too much than plentiful. Toriel cringed when he tripped over a fake metal tumbleweed, face planting in the real weeds. The fox lady, presumably Mrs. Ketsukane, looked especially mortified.

“See, this is why you have real friggin’ tumbleweeds. Not these… these… imposterish replicas.“ He quickly rose to his feet, dusting off his fairly decent attire. Except for the boots and the western cowboy hat, he could just almost fit into a wedding.

“I told the committee to fund for several of the real deal McCoy ones, you know, the ones that were actually alive! But those darn human ecologists or… whatever they’re called been keepin’ me from em. Been sayin I get too much a year and I’m running them dry!” He kneeled over, laughing hysterically.

“Ha! Dry! Those idiocracy’s can’t seem to realize they’ve made a pun even if they made it! Which makes sense I assure you. But I had to fund for more of these fu-“

Ceroba quickly intercepted him before he could make anymore idiotic comments. “Please excuse my dear friend here, he’s a bit…”

“No no, it’s fine, I assure you. I quite enjoy his… unique style. It’s different from the meetings with the humans. They’re all so different.” Toriel quickly reassured.

 

Ceroba didn’t seem so trusting at first. This was the wife of the man who fired her husband which sent him into a downward depressing spiral.

But today… today she wouldn’t judge. She wouldn’t judge Starlo for drinking a bit before he came here to numb the pain of disappointment. She wouldn’t judge Toriel for marrying the king that definitely didn’t have her deceased husband Chujin in mind. She wouldn’t judge Martlet for being late or Dalv for hiding in the shadows despite not being affected by sunlight.

Because Clover never judged wrongly. So today she wouldn’t either. She would see him open those doors and finally be amended for what she let happen to a young child yet again all those years ago.

So, despite everything, she pushed down her worries, her regrets, and her anger. Today was a day for Clover… or whoever came down those doors.

But by god she hoped she was right today.

“But yeah… the committee is freakin’ terrible. Runnin a town in the underground was a lot easier… I almost miss those days, especially that fateful day Clover came.”

Toriel looked at him sympathetically. “I heard you both were very close to him, and were even there in his final moments. You have my utmost gratitude for that.”

“And for you, Miss Ketsukane…” Toriel started, noticing Ceroba’s nervous sweat. “I would like to apologize on behalf of Alphys. Your…”

Nevermind, she would judge.

“It’s fine…” Ceroba growled lowly.

“What was that? I’m sorry. This old lady’s hearing isn’t what it used to be.”

“I-“

Starlo deadpanned. While not exactly in the moment, he could tell what was going to happen.

“Anyyyyways, it was very nice speakin’ with ya Toriel. Me and my err… friend right here got some more decorating to do. Isn’t that right?” Starlo didn’t wait for her to answer and dragged her away.

 

He watched Toriel dust off her dress, visibly disappointed. At least she tried to make small talk, but we can’t all be winners.

Starlo quickly went behind the cardboard saloon stage prop, dragging Ceroba with him.

“What in the tarnation are ya thinking!?”

“I didn’t even do anything yet!”

Starlo folded his arms across his chest. “Well you sure were about to…”

“About to do what, Star?” Ceroba questioned, gritting her teeth. It was very apparent there was fury in her face. “There is absolutely nothing I can do. She’s royalty. You know what we are? Nobodies Star! Nobodies. We go to jail if we do something wrong but if they do it it’s just no problem. If we are wronged we just get an apology and nothing else.”

“By God Ceroba it was an apology!”

“All we are to them are citizens…”

A long moment of silence followed. Star didn’t know what to say. In fact, he really only heard half of the conversation, but that was besides the point. Something was clearly bugging Ceroba’s mind.

“Roba, I…”

“No Star,” she cut him off, “You’re one of them now. Not exactly the same, but you have status. You have authority. It’s only a matter of time til you abuse it…

“Unless you already have…”

That shocked Star right out of his stupor.

“I thought you promised you wouldn’t turn on everyone again this ceremony.”

Ceroba looked shocked, then returned to her usual depressing facial expression. She looked like she wanted to say something but she didn’t.

“Nothing else to say? Roba? You’ve been doin this the past 3 times! Every time ya see a singlular speck of someone with the slightest bit of power you think they’re out to get you! I know yer past with authority but still..

“You have your daughter back, and she ain’t combined like the others n besides what you did that day you got out of prison earlier even if it was through me. You’re luckier than most Roba. I know it’s a bit hard ta understand but you are…

“So much for promises.” Starlo walked off. 

He knew he shouldn’t have, but with his mind still drunk, he couldn’t risk saying the wrong thing. Ever since Ceroba found out what happened to Kanako, she hasn’t been the same. More aggressive, more sensitive, more dangerous. The time in jail after the freak out didn’t help either, especially since jails didn’t know how to accommodate for the new monster species introduced to the surface.

Luckily with his newfound status that he quickly obtained he was able to sneak in a couple errors and favors into the system, getting her out of jail, but it came at a cost. Ceroba didn’t trust him much anymore.

He sighed, visibly frustrated. How much can you do for a person and still have some left over for yourself?

That’s it, he was walking off. He needed some fresh air. Doesn’t matter if he missed the ceremony because it would never be Clover coming through those doors. His luck was just that bad.

But in the back of his mind, he still hoped that he would come back to see that same stoic face he’d seen those years ago.

Maybe this time he’d be right.

 

Martlet circled around in the sky, swiftly landing in the center of the ceremony. She saw the commotion with Ceroba and Starlo from the sky. Maybe it was best not to disturb them. She didn’t want Ceroba arguing with her about being late again.

She looked around, seeing that the ceremony was smaller than the last one. Made a lot of sense since the soul of bravery freaked out and injured everyone before running off to who knows where. So much for being brave, but she couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the kid.

Martlet adjusted her mail visor, visibly distressed that everyone else was wearing something fancy but her. She was wearing her work clothes again… like last time.

She quickly turned around however, hearing a very large thud. Everyone went quiet, seeing as the cardboard salmon cutout and fallen revealing a very depressed Ceroba behind it. Old Martlet would have ran over to comfort her, but the new Martlet knew better. She was an angry woman, offset by even the slightest hint of authority or apologies. Martlet wished people would apologize herself. Everyone seemed to shrug it off, except Dalv. He was a good friend.

“Dalv!” She shouted loudly, but not loud enough as the vampire never came.

“Great… probably hiding again. I swear I told him the sun isn’t a problem. His skin is just sensitive.” She told to herself.

She looked around for someone to converse with but no one good came to mind. Guess it was chilling at the concessions again. Wasn’t a problem though since free food is great, especially if you get to Toriel’s pie before everybody else does.

She swiftly walked over, dodging by a couple of roaming monsters before leaning against a table with all the napkins and plastic utensils on it. Sadly, there was no pie left.

She stood there waiting patiently for something to happen until she noticed someone beside her.

“Oh hello! How are youuuuuu uhhhh…” She started before her words fell, staring at the young goat.

She gulped. It was that goat prince who used to be the flower that toyed with them all. The thought of knowing something happened to her multiple times yet not remembering still sent shivers down her spine.

But he said nothing, just continued to stand there, patiently waiting for something to happen.

He was kinda like her in a way.

“Waiting for something to happen? Right?”

Asriel just nodded.

“Yeah me too. I don’t have many friends so when they are occupied with something I kinda just stand around and hope something happens.”

Still nothing. Martlet was actually starting to nervously sweat. If he didn’t start talking soon things would get awkward.

“Not much of a talker are you?” She asked, mainly just to fill in conversation. “Don’t worry, I’m used to talking to people like that. Clover was never a talker. In fact I never heard him say a single sentence.”

“Clover,” Asriel said, before going silent.

Martlet was surprised, but continued.

“Yeah, Clover. I know you know him very well. Definitely better than me, that’s for sure. I know it’s seems stupid, getting attached to someone that you knew for only a day, but he was special. I felt like I knew him before… like a friend from a long time ago. I don’t suppose you know why?”

Asriel cleared his throat. “Of course I do. I know everything, at least everything that regards the underground. And you know the answer to that question anyways.”

Now that he was finally talking, Martlet decided to ask some questions she had been wanting to know for a long time.

“Why did Clover never talk much?”

“Wasn’t much to say.”

“What do you mean there wasn’t much to say?”

“I mean what I mean. After so many runs he just stopped talking all together. Trust me, when the humans first fall all they do is talk and talk. But after lots of conditioning they just become stoic. It’s something about their souls remembering bits and pieces of previous timelines.”

“Oh,” was all Martlet could say.

“You and him used to talk you know. Not much but, it was enough to call a conversation. Back when the runs ended you would actually forgo your syringe of determination and take Clover under your wing. Of course it never went anywhere and actually ended up being worse than letting him go to As- I mean Dad.”

Martlet furrowed her brows. “That’s uhh… nice to know.” She debated on telling him what was the matter with him and why couldn’t she let Clover live with her in peace but held her tongue. She knew it technically wasn’t his fault. But she felt sad knowing that she once took care of Clover yet couldn’t remember. It’s all she ever wanted to do in the first place anyways.

“I know this may seem like a lot for you but… do you mind telling me how it went? I mean how it was for me taking care of Clover?”

Asriel sighed. “Sure, I guess. At the very least you deserve to know.”

The following minutes went by with Asriel telling her his stories. Some were good, some were bad. She felt like he wasn’t telling her everything since he never told her what happens at the end, but for once, maybe she didn’t need to know.

She wished she could ask if it was going to be Clover coming through those doors, but she knew he didn’t know; It was random. She just hoped it was Clover coming through those doors, and that she would run up to him with her wings wide open and scoop him up. She would give him a home because he was her friend. A good friend.

Maybe even a son.

But who was she kidding. After so many disappointments she knew it probably wouldn’t be Clover…

But as the sun set down, she had a feeling that she would be right this one time.

 

The soon set over the mountain as an ominous haze enveloped the sides of it while the sky turned dark and a beautiful array of stars hung up above.

It was time.

The clock struck 11.

11 at night.

Everyone expected the doors to burst open, but it didn’t. Whispers grew among the crowd as they thought it would be another integrity incident.

“Where’s the child?” They shouted, growing uneasy.

Asgore tried his best to suppress their anxiety but to no avail. “I assure you they are only trying to find a way out! Give them time!” He shouted, sweat lining his brow.

People started packing up and leaving. Indeed it would be another integrity incident. Asgore was going to shout for them to stop, to not leave, but he couldn’t. He too was disappointed. It was indeed another integrity incident.

People made their way out, grumbling along the way. Asriel stood by a disappointed Martlet, knowing it wasn’t his place to comfort her. Ceroba closed her eyes, not bearing to see another year that she has to hold her sorrows. Dalv, now out when the sun isn’t around, suddenly found himself hurriedly leaving.

Only a remaining few stood in place. They gave it a good 30 minutes before they would check which soul decided to give up.

“Welp, it cannot be helped… to the few of you I owe it to, I really thought today would be different, but I assume it won’t be.”

He hung his head low.

“Sigh… I guess it’s time to send the…” Asgore stopped, staring at the doors.

“Is that… a yellow soul?”

Everyone snapped their heads to the entrance.

 

There was a yellow soul, brighter than the stars above, floating at the entrance to the barrier. It’s aura was so entrancing that everyone fell silent.

But it was off.

It didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel peaceful.

Heck, it didn’t feel reassuring either.

Asriel began to feel the need to run.

“Uhh, Dad?” Asriel said, tugging at his arm, “I think we should go-“

The soul started charging itself, a whirlwind of power pressing inwards like a black hole.

“I think we gotta go now Dad! Come on!”

But Asgore didn’t move. He felt as if the soul was looking right at him. For a brief moment, he saw a young boy using his soul to instantly vaporize him.

Asgore.

Walked.

Forwards.

“Clover… I presume that is you…”

The pulsating grew stronger, but Asgore didn’t stop.

A bit uneasy, he began anew. “I know you feel hatred to me. A bit of an understatement, I assume, but rightfully so. The mistakes I made in the past put you and a lot of others on an uneasy path.”

Asgore felt his son try to pull him back, but he didn’t comply. He needed to get his conscious straight.

“I know what I did was wrong, but understand that what I did was out of anger, spite, depression. I lost both of my children to those humans.”

A figure behind the soul slowly appeared out of thin air, his body bigger than he once was. It was Clover, the soul of justice, whose eyes gleaned a murderous star of yellow. 

There were no pupils. His hat obscured his face in the darkness of night, leaving it unreadable. His boots stood upon darkened ground, almost as if hate was seeping off of him.

It was.

Clover hated.

Oh he hated.

He hated so bad he couldn’t think straight.

He wobbled side to side, almost falling over. His head pounded with the memories of a thousand resets. The memories of every death, every failed attempt, every choice of the wrong justice.

Every moment of Flowey’s tampering.

He saw Martlet on the rooftop, Ceroba in the Lab, Starlo falling off the edge of the ravine, Toriel reading him a book before-

Flowey tampered with his vision, making him blind for a run. Flowey led him to believe LV was the secret to success. Flowey made him betray everyone after befriending them.

His vision blacked out as constant memories kept flooding in.

He heard Martlet scream as he fell over, but all he saw was her going in for the kill.

Phwoooosh.

She fell over on her side.

Asgore raised his trident, aiming for the soul.

Phwoooosh.

He doubled over.

Ceroba screamed while drawing her staff for the final kill.

Phwoooosh.

She fell to her knees.

He saw Toriel closing her eyes as she summoned a wall of fire closing him in.

Phwoooosh.

She looked him in the eyes with tears.

He saw all the monsters coming in to kill him. But there was no one there.

Except for one monster.

THE monster.

That damn flower.

“Howdy! I’m Flowey the flower!”

Not anymore.

His vision cleared. Everyone was lying on the ground.

Except.

For.

One.

“You’re that flower, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice dripping with venom.

He took a step forward, his boots spreading the eternal abyss that dripped from him.

“The cause of my suffering.”

Asriel stood shell shocked, his body overcome with fear. This was not the Clover he knew.

“You remember what you did to me?”

Nothing.

“I SAID DO YOU REMEMBER!?”

But nobody said anything.

Clover smile appeared out of his darkened face, a sickening dark yellow grin.

“I remember. I remember everything. I even remember my Father’s face. You want to know what he said?”

Asriel slowly backed up.

“He told me people like you never learn.”

Clover started closing the gap.

“He told me when someone wrongs you, you make sure you fu***** right it yourself.”

“W-w-what do you mean?” Asriel stuttered out.

He only chuckled.

“I mean to right the greatest injustice ever done to me, I have to END it myself.” He charged his soul.

Asriel backed himself to the edge of the cliff. He clutched his face with his hands, trying to subdue it. He couldn’t get angry. Oh he couldn’t get angry.

Mom and Dad were on the ground.

They’re ok.

No they’re not.

Yes they are.

“You know, I remember when you gave me a chance. You said I’ll get a 10 second head start before you chase me. You know what happened next…

“You have 10 seconds.”

Asriel fled.

0 gold.

0 exp.

1 left.

The only 1 that mattered.

 

Chapter 2: A mistake

Asriel kept running and he never stopped. Not once did he look back to see if Clover was following him or if his parents and risen back up. It didn’t matter. He wasn’t after them, he was after him.

“Why me, why me, why me…” Asriel kept mumbling as he ducked under several tree limbs, his breathing becoming increasingly heavier.

He wasn’t cut out for this… not anymore at least. He could barely run, his soul wasn’t in the right condition to fight, and Clover seemed to be corrupted of some sorts.

A beam of light whizzed past his ear. He quickly turned his head around, seeing Clover right on his tail.

Asriel’s head throbbed with a million thoughts, but one rang out the most: he could’ve died.

Like really.

He didn’t have control of the SAVE anymore. Death is it. Once he dies… it’s over.

Maybe it was his instincts, or maybe it was the human soul inside him, but the will to live made him go faster than he’d ever ran before.

“FLOWEY!” Clover shouted from behind. “YOU CAN’T ESCAPE YOUR FATE!”

Another six shots rang out.

Asriel waited for one to hit him, for one to instantly break his soul, but the six bullets never came in contact with him.

He kept running faster and faster, the fear of death creeping down his spine. It was only a matter of time til Clover clipped him, then it was over.

Absolutely over.

No more.

The thought of the end kept him running faster, despite his body begging him to stop.

It was fear.

Cowardice.

Asriel couldn’t face the consequences of his actions like a man.

He couldn’t look death in the eye.

Right now, it had a yellow star for an eye, gleaning intensely for his demise. It’s intentions were understood thoroughly.

“FACE ME YOU COWARD!” Clover yelled, charging a beam of energy. Suddenly a large barrel of light erupted, shooting through the trees, right to Asriel. Asriel noticed and quickly ducked, just narrowly dodging it by a thread.

 

Clover threw his hands up in frustration. “How in the tarnation is he THAT HARD TO HIT!”

He slammed his gun on the ground like a hammer, releasing a lot of energy that cascaded into the ground below. Clover raised an eyebrow before smirking in delight.

“Well gee ain’t this useful.”

He thrusted his hand forwards, the energy locking onto Asriel’s path. Now he had a clear trail. Every move Asriel made would become visible due to the light. There was no more hiding in the darkness. He would shed light on this injustice.

Clover held his soul in his hand pointing straight at Asriel. He concentrated the power in his soul, summoning a burst of light until… 

A familiar lasso grabbed it.

Clover was locked into position while Asriel quickly made his getaway. He heard the sound of boots crunching leaves and turned around. It was Starlo, except something was off about him.

“Now, I’m not one to judge too quickly, but I reckon this case calls for it.”

Starlo drew out his own weapon.

“I also reckon you better tell me what the hell you did to my Deputy, cause you ain’t the real deal McCoy, are you?”

Clover laughed.

“If it isn’t Starlo, the sheriff of The Wild East.”

“Mayor of Eastwood now.”

“Thanks fir telling me that.”

Starlo frowned.

Suddenly he lowered his weapon. His tough demeanor quickly changed into that of sorrow.

“What happened to you? And why are you chasing Asriel?”

Clover tensed. “It’s none of your business… and it’s in yer best interest if you hurry on back to help the rest.”

Clover concentrated raw power through his soul, burning the ropes. He quickly drew his six-shooter out, aiming for the kill shot.

“You get one chance here, Starlo. It’s go back up or turn to dust!”

“You would never…”

But Clover would. A thousand percent he definitely would. It wasn’t justice, but he was in the way.

“You don’t seem to understand I ain’t the same Clover you know.” He shot up in the air, making Starlo inadvertently flinch.

Before Starlo could say something, Clover turned his back on him and ran off.

Starlo had his weapon aimed at him. He could stop it all if just…

But he couldn’t bring himself to do that.

“I…”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I just wanted to say I missed you… deputy.”

Starlo desperately wanted to run after him, even if it meant he would die, but he couldn’t. He had Ceroba to look after, a town to run. People counted on him.

And those people at the peak were counting on him too.

He made a mad dash for the very top.

 

“No need to hide Asriel! I know exactly where you are!” Clover shouted as a beam of light erupted from the ground he stood upon, alerting Clover of his position.

“You know, this reminds me of a certain run where we played hide n seek… but with a twist. You remember that, Flowey?”

Was he even talking to him at this point?

“Somehow you always knew where I was. No matter where I went, or how fast I ran, I could never outrun you. My how those tables have turned.”

Asriel swiftly went from one tree to the next, poking his head out periodically to see where Clover was.

“It was fun, wasn’t it? Bein in control, deciding every event that took place. Despite not havin a soul, you took joy in it.”

Asriel made a mad dash away from Clover, but up ahead was another steep drop.

He looked back, seeing Clover steadily walk forwards, limping for some reason.

“Clover!” Asriel yelled, panicking. Behind him was a very steep drop he couldn’t possibly survive. In front of him was a threat he couldn’t survive either.

“It’s the end of the road, Flowey. I refuse to accept your change of heart, if you really even had one in the first place.”

Clover clocked his six-shooter.

“I would have loved to talk more but lady justice is unreliable,” he grinned maliciously.

“Clover, I-

“Cut the crap, Flowey. I don’t need your apologies. You sicken me to the core.”

*Clover initiated a battle*

Asriel Dreemurr

LV 0 

 - A coward. Once a demented flower, now reduced to a goat -

Clover became tunnel visioned. By this point, he could only see Asriel and the trail of yellow light he controlled.

He could see Asriel’s soul. A red soul. A soul that wasn’t his. A thief. A poor innocent youth.

Clover felt his anger rise.

“WHERE. DID. YOU. GET. THAT. SOUL!” He bellowed.

Asriel surprisingly became defensive, lowering his guard into an attacking stance.

“It was a gift from a good friend.”

“LIAR!”

“GO AHEAD! REACH INTO MY MEMORY AND SEE THEN!”

Clover complied, closing his eyes and reaching into the depths of his soul. There he would find the truth.

He imagined himself entering Asriel’s mind, a blinding light enveloping him. Time slowed to a snail’s pace.

 

Asriel focused on the memory, replaying through the events of what happened.

 

**Flashback**

 

Asriel cried. He almost did it. He almost won, but he couldn’t seem to end it. In the end, Frisk was just too determined.

There he sat on the ground where he would wait to turn into a flower again. With no souls at his disposal, it was only a matter of time before he turned back.

But that was fine.

Frisk and everyone else would go on to be free on the surface. And using the power of the souls, he used it to revive the fallen children. It would take a bit, probably a year, but one of them would walk out sooner or later. They would see the surface too.

He didn’t deserve that.

Frisk didn’t exactly deserve it either. From what they told him, this wasn’t the first time they’d done this, which means they could’ve…

It wasn’t his place to judge.

Asriel heard walking behind him. It was Frisk. They were motioning for him to follow them.

“I already told you I can’t let everyone see me like this, ok!” Asriel was starting to get annoyed of all things.

They persisted.

“No!”

Frisk dragged him.

“FRISK WHAT ARE YOU DOING!”

They suddenly dropped him.

“Oww…” Asriel said, wiping off his clothes. He looked over to Frisk, who had their soul out for some reason.

“Uhh… you ok, Frisk?” He raised an eyebrow.

Frisk put it in his arms.

“W-w-what are saying Frisk?”

Asriel was starting to get concerned.

Finally, for the first time in a long time, Frisk spoke, “I… Don’t… Need… It…”

Asriel was taken aback. “What do you mean you don’t need it?”

“I’ve fulfilled… my mission…”

It took a moment to process that.

“B-b-but,” Asriel stammered out, “There’s still more! You have Toriel, your friends, the surface! There’s more!”

Frisk’s face faltered ever so slightly.

“Doesn’t matter… it will decay… anyways…”

Decay?

“What do you mean decay? Frisk, are you ok?”

“I have finished… my mission… My soul… it can no longer be… filled…”

“Filled with what?”

“…The will to live…”

“Oh…”

“I have done what… I wanted… I made peace… with my past decisions… It is yours now… All I ask is that you tell… the absolute truth… in return… for my broken… gift to you…”

The silence that followed was deafening, only interrupted by the sound of Asriel’s tears falling on the ground.

“Frisk… I-I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve this second chance. Frisk I can’t accept. I can’t accept this gift.”

“It’s not just a gift… Asriel… but also a curse… you will still die… but you will be given a few years… to live… Isn’t that deserving enough for anyone? Without this… you will live forever… in torment…”

“I guess you have a point, Frisk.”

He sighed deeply.

“But I only have one question. Why Frisk? Why give it to me?”

“Because… maybe one day you’ll find meaning… to fill the soul… Just know that…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special souls are different... If they are not able to fulfill their mission, they will go crazy or die.”

**End flashback**

 

“You!” Clover started, reeling back his six-shooter. “You’re playing tricks on me! That’s not what happened!”

“I CANT FABRICATE MEMORIES CLOVER!”

Clover stepped back, playing back the same events, over and over again. Was that why he was crazy? Was that why he was going insane? What was his mission? To achieve true justice? Is that even possible? Is his mission possible? Is he doomed to never complete his mission?

True justice is never possible.

He was doomed from the very day he was conceived, just like Father said.

Father knew. Oh Father knew.

The last day he went out to fight in the war, he told him something he’d never forget:

“You’ll always try, boy. You’ll try n’ try n’ try n’ try… but people like us, we’ll never succeed. Every dog has its lucky day someday though. But you, you’re special. Because what you’ll set out to achieve will never be possible. I named you Clover because you’ll never have a lucky day. So stay strong, and fight hard son, because fir you, the world isn’t on your side.”

Clover gritted his teeth, his eye set ablaze as he charged forwards to strike the killing blow. But this attack was different. It wasn’t filled with justice. It was filled with hate. Pure, pure, unconditional hate, channeled through one single strike. Black sparks sizzled from the raw power, signaling a killing blow.

“ASRIEL!”

*Toriel blocked the way*

*SMAAAAAAAAAASH HIT!*

Toriel doubled over, a large black gashing wound visible on her chest.

“Asriel… I’m sorry son… run… mommy will handle this.”

But Toriel couldn’t handle it. In fact, she turned to dust. Both Clover and Asriel stood there, not daring to take a breath.

Yellow drops formed around Clover’s eyes as his face began to clear. His boots that were carrying the corruption washed away as rain began to pour in.

Asriel wanted to reset. Oh he wanted to reset. Reset reset reset reset reset reset reset reset reset reset reset.

But he wasn’t in control anymore.

This was it.

This was what permanent death was.

It had been a while since he’d experienced it.

Asriel collapsed to his knees, clutching her clothes, but no tears fell from his eyes. He was just only still in shock.

*Battle won*

Gold 27

EXP 100

LV 4

1 left

It doesn’t matter right now.

Clover fled.

The monsters were left to pick up the pieces.

 

For 3 years things between humans and monsters grew tense. Until one day…

Chapter 3: Answer Me

*3 years later*

Dad?

Dad?

Father?

Over the past 3 years, Asriel said these words so many times he felt sick, trying to break through the barrier Asgore had put up, but it was to no avail.

Asgore would never be the same.

Asgore would never answer.

On occasion, he would say something so out of the ordinary Asriel honestly thought he really couldn’t even hear him.

Asriel led himself into a coughing fit.

Asriel shook his head, eyeing the backpack full of supplies he had packed tonight. He laid there on his bed and thought for a long time, seemingly trying to piece everything together.

How would he leave?

When would he leave? Was right now a good option?

He was older now—not by much, but enough to realize his existence had political weight. If he ran, how would that look on his Father?

Not like the public opinion had gotten better of him over the last couple of years. Since the incident, his laws have been a little crazy. Not enough to spark an outrage, but enough for a few who cared to ask if he was ok.

But it was always just the same answer.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

And yet he never answered his questions.

Did Father…

No, he didn’t…

He would never think that…

Asriel grabbed the book bag and leapt out of the bed,  making his way through the fancy corridors and the red carpets he always told Father he didn’t like.

Asriel walked through them and into the main lobby, where the basement was held underneath the two stairways that intersected in the middle.

Why did castles have to be confusing?

Quietly he opened the doors and tiptoed through the chambers. This was where Father spent most of his time, especially with that statue he’d bought.

The only times he’d ever spoken to him had been about the statue. Despite Asriel’s obvious dismay, it did make for interesting discussion material.

There he was, through the glass doors into a small, dark room, with that wretched golden statue he hated.

He hated it so bad.

Oh he hated it.

But he swallowed his pride and opened the door.

Father was seemingly in a trance again, since he hadn’t noticed him walk in. This was starting to be a very serious issue.

“Father… I came here to ask some questions.”

Asgore sat there quietly on the bench next to the statue, mumbling something ever so quietly.

“Father!” Asriel spoke up, anger apparent in his voice.

But nobody answered.

“FATHER!” Asriel cried through his coughing. He was THIS close to running away, to dying, to leaving him forever, and father still wouldn’t answer him.

“Why Father? Why? Why does nobody listen to me Father?” He asked, mainly to himself.

Asgore sat still, eyes closed and mumbling. He was in his own world, in his own thoughts. Whatever went on up there, Asriel would never know. To be honest, it’s it like he would care to know anyways. Something’s are better left unknown.

“I’m leaving… I’m leaving because I don’t have much time left before… you know.”

Asriel sat on the bench with Asgore for a bit. He wasn’t coming back, and it’s not like Asgore would notice he was gone, he would still miss him.

He sat there for a good 30 minutes, replaying all their good memories in his head. He didn’t want to remember the bad ones.

“You know what, Father? I’ve finally decided on a good resting place,” Asriel started. “I put a lot of time and thinking into this… but I think I’m going to lay right where it all started… where I found Chara.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

“I… I love you, Father, but I can’t spend the rest of the time I have left rotting here. Frisk wouldn’t have wanted that. Mom… she wouldn’t have wanted that either… so goodbye, Father. I wish you well.”

Asriel got up and left.

Asgore didn’t hear a word.

He could only hear what the statue was saying to him.

“Don’t let them go to…”

“Don’t let them succeed…”

“He can’t live on…”

“Determination needs to be…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Passed on.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clover was cold.

Oh he was so cold.

Gone were the days of warmth, the days of happiness.

He lacked both.

Only hate kept his soul burning, when his mission was impossible. But like a poison, you take enough and the effects are numbed. He couldn’t feel the drive anymore.

It was weird. He was a drive soul. He didn’t excel in situational determination, but his soul kept him going to the end goal. When the end goal was impossible, what do you do?

He looked at his black hand, the one so cold he couldn’t use it for anything anymore. His left… the one that struck Toriel.

The one injustice he couldn’t bear.

And to his right hand, the cold one. The one that felt, the one that lived.

The one he’d use to end the greatest injustice.

He still had his usual outfit, but it was different. Turns out growing up gets a number on you. Luckily rummaging through throwaway clothes was a good thrift, despite the no-return policy. People throw a lot of good things away for no reason.

But his yellow bandana was gone forever.

…

He looked over to the flower who kept following him. The one who kept reminding him of who he was.

He had ran through the desert before to lose it, but it was always there, in his peripheral vision, watching him. Sometimes it grew bored, confronting him directly, but it never spoke. It didn’t have a face.

Because you couldn’t give injustice a face.

Even Flowey had his reasons. He hated to say that, but thinking on it for 3 years, he had to admit that.

“Go to Mt. Ebott,” he heard a voice tell him.

My God the voice was back again.

“I TOLD YOU SEVERAL TIMES I AINT GONNA GO BACK THERE!” He yelled out into the midnight sky.

For the past several weeks he couldn’t stop thinking about that same mountain. Did everything have to revolve around it? No!

3 years on the run and Clover never went there. How could he? It was the place where everything went down. Not to say it was a hotspot that he couldn’t allow himself to go near and be caught.

“Go to Mt. Ebott,” the voice said again.

…

“Go to-”

“OK OK! Gosh darn stupid sentient voices in my head!” He begrudgingly picked himself up and made the trek back to Mt. Ebott.

For some reason, he could never find himself living far from it.

 

 

Asriel felt his soul grow numb as he made his way up the mountain. He pulled it out and gave a quick check.

It was dim.

Gone were the days of it being bright red full of determination. He didn’t have that anymore. And those stupid syringes Alphys said that would help never did.

Alphys was a liar, but a good one too.

She disappeared a few weeks after the organization found out about the humans were testing the amalgamates. Some think she was a part of it, but Asriel knew better.

Asriel could read her like an open book.

At least she did one good thing for Ceroba’s daughter before she left.

Asriel started breathing heavy, a clear sign that maybe he needed a break. But he couldn’t. He didn’t have much time left.

Much time left before his expiration date hit.

It was weird, finally having a taste of the end, but Asriel liked it. He felt peace. Having lived for so long, it didn’t matter.

But in the back of his mind, a peice he pushed far, far to the back of his head, something told him he wasn’t done.

Five hours later and he made it to the top, but not to the exit of the underground. He was at the entrance.

The hole that all the fallen children fell in.

The sun wasn’t up yet but Asriel could tell it was close.

He would wait to see the sun one last time.

Notes:

A little short but a lot of stuff happens after. Some lore drop I guess.

Chapter 4: Paint Over It

*1 Day Earlier*

Ceroba’s breathing hitched as she kept coughing, laying on her bed. She felt a lot sicker than usual, and she was honestly worried for her well being. Ever since a month ago she hadn’t been feeling well at all. It was making her really stressed since rent was due.

Poor Kanako stressed her out the worst though. She seemed to have taken it upon herself to do the responsibilities of the household and take care of her at once.

Speaking of her, Kanako rushed over, balancing a bowl of soy and a ladle in shaking hands.

Ceroba wasn’t feeling so hungry.

“Hi, Mama… I brought you some soup!” She said. Her smile was only the brightest.

Despite not being hungry, Ceroba wouldn’t dare not accept her offer.

“Thanks hun. I really appreciate it. Love you lots.”

“Love you lots…” Kanako said back cheerfully. Kanako then stood up fully. In the last three years she had grown pretty tall. Almost taller than her. Ever since Alphys gave that mystery medicine to her, she stopped melting, but she still retained her pasty white color. She would technically be an amalgamate forever.

And it would be because of her.

Not Alphys. Despite how much she hated her, she really did out do herself with whatever she gave Kanako. It made her soul almost completely human. She was technically as “Integrity” as the human soul Integrity could get.

She couldn’t lie, it did scare her. It was the same kind of soul. The same kind that had once tried to kill her daughter.

Kanako started acting weird too. Nowadays it was all “I need to do this”, “this is the right thing”, and “I need to make things right.”

Ceroba didn’t know what she needed to make right, but if she knew her daughter well, then she knew that she would find a way.

Ceroba smiled, knowing that despite her daughter getting the worst of it, she still came out the best. 

As her eyes closed, unbeknownst to her, Kanako stood at the doorway.

With keen eyes, she took note of everything. The way mom laid in her bed would restrict her breathing approximately 12% more; She hadn’t even picked up her soup, meaning that she wasn’t hungry.

She needed to eat. Ceroba hadn’t eaten in 18 hours. Her body needed the extra energy from the food to heal properly. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t heal faster. Which meant that Kanako couldn’t go make things right.

She needed to make this right, but there was so much stuff to do. The dishes needed to be washed, the floors swept, the living room dusted so Ceroba could breathe better, the bathrooms cleaned, the refrigerator wiped of that blood that seeped out of the chicken meat container from the meat store.

Those damn chickens…

She needed to feed her own. She needed to feed mom.

“I need to make this right, I need to make the right, I need to make this right,” her mind told her over and out over again as she furiously scrubbed the dishes.

“I need to make this right, I need to make this right, I… need…” She hadn’t noticed the crack until her palms stung. Tiny glass splinters shimmered under the faucet like dust. Kanako blinked. Her paws were scratched. When had that happened?

More stuff to clean.

Kanako sighed deeply, hanging her head low as she concentrated on the sound of running water to calm her.

“I’m so tired,” she said to herself.

“I… I’m so so tired.”

She could feel herself start to slightly melt again. She needed to stop getting so emotional. Ceroba didn’t need to know that she wasn’t truly fixed.

Ceroba didn’t need to know a God dang thing. She needed to eat and get better so Kanako could go out there and fix the world.

She had talked about it to Uncle Star once.

She thought back to what he said.

“Sorry misses, but that right there just ain’t possible. Those humans are just bout damn impossible to negotiate with. You know how much of a fight I had ta put up with those hooligans to make Eastwood?”

Kanako remembered herself laughing at the ‘hooligan’ part. Uncle Star had always been funny.

She had responded with a simple, “I dunno Uncle Star. How much?”

“Well, let’s just say I had to agree to a bunch of policies I don’t like. Trust me, those humans sure do know how to persuade you. I’d be careful around them. Except for Clover, he was…”

Kanako shook the thought away from her head. That boy Clover was no good. She didn’t like him in the slightest. Not since he attacked mom. No one has seen him since.

She quickly cleaned up her mess and stepped outside. She lived in the country outside of Eastwood, where her  closest neighbors were a mile away, except for one person: Blackjack.

He was very old now, so he stopped selling guns and now lives in retirement. Sometimes Kanako would go over there to hang out but ever since she found a cool musket in the woods that’s all he ever wants to talk about.

Kanako walked down off the porch of their house and made her way to her motorcycle uncle Star gave her. It was a pretty nice red Vespa. Nicer than anything she’d ever seen before. Uncle Star definitely had the money. Especially since despite Ceroba not knowing, he’d been paying all the bills. Kanako didn’t have the heart to tell her yet.

Kanako really didn’t know why Ceroba hated Starlo.

But enough of her worries. With the bright sun in the sky and the clouds no where in sight, she was going to enjoy at least an hour of this beautiful day with her friend Sadie. She had already made plans with her to go to their secret spot and hangout. She put on her helmet, turned the keys on her Vespa, and drove off the dirt road artery, straight towards the beating heart of Eastwood.

***

Kanako sat on her Vespa on the hot pavement in the midst of the absolute mayhem.

The city buzzing today. Cars and motorcycles alike clogged the streets like a bloodstream on the verge of becoming a clot. There were several mad-maxers who kept blaring the horns like that was going to make anyone go faster.

Even the sidewalks weren’t safe, as humans and monsters alike shuffled, dodged, and waded past each other like viruses and white blood cells. Trash cans were filled to the brim with god-knows-what, and those terrible anti-homeless benches were everywhere.

She would tell Uncle Star about that.

Some person in a coupon mascot suit was dancing around screaming about something to do with coupons. Apparently they were all the crave these days. She would get herself one later.

There were some painters painting over a graffiti art that said “Hold It Together”. They were doing a pretty good job, but it still bled through.

His city was sure indeed bustling

It made sense. The city’s anniversary was coming up next week, and according to Starlo on the phone, thwis was going to be the biggest yet. Like… Marti Grass, or however the humans say it. Even the old gang was getting back together -- whatever that meant to him, she didn’t know. Banners and posters hung everywhere showcasing the event, and some weird type of cologne ad.

Eastwood was preparing for a party like rent wasn’t due.

…

She should probably call Starlo about that.

After around 30 minutes of one mile, she veered off into a very rare parking space and found a random plastic bag to put on the parking meter. Be damned she would pay for that fowl crap.

After locking her helmet to the Vespa, she carefully waded her way throughout the crowd, beelining straight for the mall; there she would hangout with Sadie and shop lift like there was no tomorrow.

Kanako entered the mall. For the city, it was where everyone went. Like… the lungs of the city. Everyone was here.

It felt like everyone was staring at her too. It did make sense; not everyday do you see an amalgamate shopping in a mall. They could at least give her the light of day!

She kept her head low, weaving through the crowds of people who were actually shopping. She would’ve worn a hoodie, but it was hot. Instead she wore a striped shirt with a blue and red hat to hide her face from the sun… or people. She would’ve wore jeans to further hide her pasty white fur, but again, it was hot. Jean shorts instead with sandals.

It was so hot in here too. She felt like she was actually melting. She hurriedly checked herself, her head pounding like bricks. She was indeed melting, very slightly, her large tail especially; not much she could do about that. She steeled herself, keeping a conscious effort to stay together, something that no amalgamate felt comfortable with. Despite her best efforts, it bled through, like that graffiti outside that those poor painters kept trying to gloss over in the heat.

Kanako quickly leapt to the escalator, looking over the sides. You’d be lucky if you could see the floor in the main lobby.

Once on the second floor, she quickly made a beeline for the storage closet. Once inside, she used the bucket mop as a step stool to climb into the vents. From there, she went left, and dropped straight into the secret room of the mall. It was very dark, but luckily Kanako didn’t need light. Staying for years in The Lab makes your eyes pretty keen to darkness. However, it was very misty for some reason. Everything was touched with just a layer of dust, and the place smelled like the usual dank dusty unventilated storage room.

She sat down on the beanbag, flicking away all the crumbs Sadie leaves from those bags of chips she likes with the rappers on them and wiping away her own white fur grease, as Sadie calls it, letting herself ‘go’ for a little. Kanako practically melted into the beanbag. After that exhausting trip through the city and the crowd, she needed a breather. Sadie would probably come by soon. Why wouldn’t she? Two girls, hanging out in an abandoned storage room, all to theirselves? They’ve probably hung out here around 70 times.

Kanako stifled a yawn, trying to keep her eyes open. Was she tired? No? She had only been awake for 5 hours today. Why would she be so tired? Was she sick like mom? She sure hoped not.

More yawns came, and her eyes started to grow heavy like large weights on a bar. Maybe sleep wasn’t such a bad idea.

Her vision doubled as her eyes snapped shut. Gosh darn, was she just that dang tired?

As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn’t help but feel like something was covering her head. Was she starting to move? Nah.

Kanako was getting carried away to her dreams. Far away from the city and the mall, and the house she didn’t like with the blue carpets she hated.

It was better off this way. Sadie would come and wake her up.

Notes:

If there are suggestions you’d like for future chapters I’m sure-fire for it. Ideas are awesome, especially when they’re someone else’s.