Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You wake up in a barren landscape. No stars or even moon in the sky, with the only light being faint and seemingly coming from the ground. Where… are you? This obivously isn't your room but you've never seen a place like this. Not even in the underground. You call out… but nobody came.

———————————————————

Siffrin wakes up, barely able to see anything due to how dark it is. They seem to be in a empty… field? No, it's too big to be a field, he thinks. He starts to walk, looking for any sign of life, it takes a while but eventually he comes across some kind of… person? made of metal. Whoever or whatever it is, doesn't seem to be awake, or maybe even dead, and since Siffrin doesn’t know what happend, he moves on.

———————————————————

You’ve been seeing a bunch of old, broken robots lying around. You feel bad for them, after all you dont know if they might’ve been a ghost’s body once. You found a factory earlier but it was just as empty as everywhere else seems to be. You're about to give up when suddenly a robot attached to a boat springs to life next to you. Or… well that might be an overstatement with how rusted over it is, seemingly not able to move. Wanting to help, you keep walking now with the goal of finding something to get rid of the rust.

———————————————————

Siffrin's finally managed to find someone! At least… they hope. They start walking faster so he doesn't lose them, but suddenly one of those metal things springs to life. They go to attack when suddenly-

———————————————————

You ask the stranger what they think they’re doing. “A… kid?” They say, seemingly having calmed down. “What's a kid doing in a place like this? Where even is… this?” They look around, as if looking for something but it seems they lost track of it. “Well… look, kid. You shouldn't-” Suddenly another voice calls out from behind them. “Hello? I didn't think there was anyone else here! Well… except the robots.”

Chapter Text

“So let me see if i understand this correctly…” The stranger in the cloak says once im done explaining how I got here. “You woke up in an old house, found a lightbulb, somehow ended up here, said lightbulb is apparently the sun and you're the messiah of this place despite 1: being a kid and 2: not being from this place?”

They repeat, As i nod. “Yeah pretty much! Oh and i can talk to your god.” I say, expecting the two strangers to freak out. “Im sad to say that speaking to their god is somehow the most believable part.” The one in the cloak says as the other nods understandingly.

“Uh… okay? but why did You say their, aren't you guys from here?” I ask confused, but then again didn’t the robot in the cabin say everyone left? “Well im not. I don't know about the kid though, i’ve never seen them before.” They say, before turning to the other kid. The kid shakes their head and pulls out a stick. ‘Not from here’ They write in the dirt.

“Well… lets go ask the robot i met when i came here! It knew about me, maybe it knows about you guys too!” I say, as i lead them to the output. The robot there quickly notices me, and turns to face me.

[Hello Again.] It says, still suprising me a little by just how monotone it sounds in comparision to the other robot i've met here. [Are There More Questions You Wish To Ask?] I nod my head in reply and move to the side a bit so it can see the strangers. “I found these two just walking around, and they say they dont come from here. Since you knew about me, or at least someone coming here with the sun thanks to the prophecy, i was wondering if you knew about them?” I ask, hoping it does because i… dont know what to do if not!

[Other People? No, The Prophecy Does Not Mention Anyone Else. I Do Not Think They Are Meant To Be Here.] It says, turning to face me fully again as it does. “Oh… well-” It interrupts me, which is rude, but it's a robot so i'll allow it. [Messiah, I Must Insist You Stay Away From Them. As They Are Not Meant To Be Here, They Could Be Dangerous. I Do Not Know If It Is Safe To Be Around Them.] It says, voice glitching a little to make it sound… scared?

“Well… i think i'll be alright! Im the messiah, right? Im sure anyone would stop them if they really were dangerous!” I say, with a smile as the stranger In the cloak speaks up. “That reminds me… why is a child your Messiah.” They ask, but for some reason the robot doesn't answer.

“Good talk. C'mon kid.” They say, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the robot. “Maybe we can find someone who’ll actually answer our questions around here.”

Chapter Text

“Well this Place was a bust.” Siffrin says as they all leave the cabin, the newly acquired Pendant in their hand. “At least that robot was able to translate your sign language for us, huh?” He says, as Frisk nods happily.

“So we bring this to the robot in that boat… think it has enough space for all of us?” Siffrin asks Niko, constantly having to look at the ground as to not fall (the many Cons of having only one eye.) “I think there's only space for one person…” They say, sounding a little worried.

“What are you guys gonna do? I doubt the robot is gonna take you Guys first.” Niko says turning to look at Siffrin and Frisk. “Well… i guess we gotta hope for the best!” Siffrin says… but it's obivous They dont know either.

As they make their way to the Rowbot a loud, staticy noise is heard and… there are suddenly two other, fully intact Rowbots???? “How did these… get here?” Niko wonders out loud and noticed a torn off Page from… something, a book, probably. “Perhaps these will be of assistance. We shall talk again, i doubt this will be the only thing stopping you from sticking together.”  is written on the Page.

“Well… that's slightly concerning. We're being watched.” Siffrin says, after reading “Yeah but… at least they want to help, if they sent these robots here!” Niko says happily.

“For all our sakes? I hope you’re right because if not… we’re in serious Danger.” Siffrin says, before showing the Pendant to the original Rowbot [OH! THIS IS AMBER FROM THE GLEN. I CAN REMEMBER NOW! ACTIVATING TRACKING SYSTEM…] The Rowbot says, while Siffrin and Frisk both get into the other two Rowbots and tell them to head to the Glen. And all three of them set sail.

——————————————————–

“So this is the Glen…” Siffrin says while Niko talks to the Rowbot, the other two having already left. “So… where are we going?”

Chapter Text

As You, Siffrin and Niko walk around you cant help but be amazed, sure you had to run through a forest to get to mount ebott all those resets ago, but this place is magical! Not to mention green! You were worried colors didn’t exist in this world until Niko brought you to that robot.

“This place sure is something, Huh guys?” Siffrin asks. You nod in reply, thinking to yourself that you really need a portable robot or something like that to translate your sign language. “Yeah! Very… green!” Ah, good to know you and Niko are on the same page, at least.

“Niko… what's gre-” You can assume what they were gonna say. How do they not- “Alula? Alula? Where did you go?” Oh! Looks like someone needs help! You run ahead, luckily Siffrin overtakes you because you realize they might not know sign either.

“Hello! Do you need help?” He asks the person as you and Niko catch up, they quickly turn to look at you three. “Ah! Yes! have you seen a little girl? She's a little bit shorter than you, and-” They suddenly look directly at Niko. “Wait...! That's... the sun. Are you our savior?” Ah, makes sense they'd know about that.

“I… yeah?” Niko says softly, probably confused due to still not being used to being called a savior. You just give them a understanding look, they’ll get used to it. “Oh my stars!” You hear Siffrin mumble “Stars?” to themself. “Sorry for my rudeness!” Siffrin recovers from their little… freak out, you guess would be the right word. They just… stared into nothingness for a bit. “Look, Kid it's alright.”

The person seems almost…offended that siffrin spoke instead of Niko. “Let our savior speak for themself! Dont you know how disrespectful that is!?” Oh… you're not sure if you like them, all of a sudden. Luckily, Niko speaks up. “Hey, they're helping me!” The person quickly calms down and seems ashamed of their reaction “Oh, sorry, savior.”

“Yeah… anyways, you said you were looking for someone?” You're starting to get bored of listening. You wish a translator would just be here somewhere already! You feel like something changed and based off of siffrin's expression, they felt it too. Oh right, the conversation.

“Back inside the ruins. She said she was headed towards the forest, so I'm waiting here now. I ran out of places to look…” Well, at least you know where you're headed. You let the person finish talking and then look Siffrin in the eyes with a smirk before running ahead, with no idea where you're going.

———————————————————

“Th...the vines should be gone now… I'm not afraid anymore.” …You can't bring yourself to look at her. It's funny… you don't even know her name and yet…! You almost start laughing. Seems they rubbed off on you more than you thought. “...You guys go on without me.” Siffrin says, quietly.

“What? But Siffrin-” Niko is about to argue as Siffrin interrupts. “No buts, Niko. No one deserves to be alone, especially not when…” They trail off. “Okay. We'll be back later.” Niko says as you both leave Siffrin.

Niko doesn't say anything as you walk through the ruins, or as they solve a puzzle on the floor, opening up a doorway that a person runs out of. “You saved me! Thank you! I was trapped in there for so long…” Oh! This must be Alula! Finally, someone you actually know the name of! You wave politely, and let her and Niko talk, it's not like you have anything to say… Sans would probably find that funny.

You wonder if time is even passing in your World… how long have you been gone? You know you can just reset but a part of you is still worried. Is time faster? Is everyone gone? What if someone else got control over the timeline while you're here? What if Flowey-

“Hey, is your friend okay?” You completely forgot about the two of them! You quickly nod, desperately hoping that it's convincing enough and then point to the exit. “Oh right, Calamus is probably worried about me!” For a second but you wonder how she could've forgotten about her brother, but it's not your place to judge, angel knows you've forgotten to hang out with Undyne in a few runs.

———————————————————

Siffrin finally catches up to you after all this time, and just quietly hands Niko the Sun and… a random kernel of corn? Well, you're sure he'll tell you guys what happend. “I think that's what father would have wanted.” Calamus says, handing Niko a weird glowy feather. “Thank you! We’ll see eachother around… maybe.” They say and start to leave before Siffrin stops them.

“Actually Niko… i was thinking we should rest here for a bit. We still have a while until we reach the Tower, and the robot in the Barrens already expressed… doubts that bringing back the sun would save the World, so we should learn as much as we should so this world isn’t forgotten, right?” Well consider yourself suprised, you didn't think Siffrin would be the type of person to be willing to rest in a situation like this. You get it tho, you've spent months living with Toriel, sans and papyrus, even Undyne once across different runs! Niko doesn't seem convinced, however.

“They do have a point, Niko. I… dont want to accept the possibility that there is no way to save us, but you should still be prepared for that. Just in case.” Calamus says, and yet Niko still doesn't seem convinced! “Please, Niko? We could have so much fun together!” Alula says, and her speaking up seems to finally be what convinces Niko. “Alright. We'll spend a few days resting.”

———————————————————

[What. No, No, No! They can't stay here! I- the world is unstable! I dont know what'll happen if they stay! I need to get them to move on at any cost necessary. ]

Chapter Text

As i walk through the Village, as i have been the last few days, i cant help but think that agreeing to stay was one of the best choices i've made. Do i miss my Mama? Of course, but i'd also miss everyone here if i went back home… a part of me just wishes my mama could come here. I say hello to Magpie, help herd the rams again and start to make my way to the ruins as i come across Frisk.

“Oh hi, Frisk! What are you doing?” I ask, as they jump a little in surprise. >Oh, Niko! Im looking at these squares, to see if i can find out whatever might be causing Them.< They signed, the words showing up on the little screen thingy we found a few days ago, which confuses me because didn't everyone in this world already try to find out what was causing them when they first appeared? Frisk seems to know what im thinking and shakes their head.

>You're not wrong, but maybe we know things this world doesn't, y'know? Maybe we can find Something out that they couldn't!< They explain and i nod in response. “Well, let me know if you find anything! Im gonna go have lunch!” I say running off towards the ruins again.

——————————————————— 

“Hello, Niko.” Calamus says as i run into their house. My, Frisk's and Siffrin’s makeshift beds are in the corner, although mine is noticeably less used. “Hey Calamus! Is Alula here yet?” I ask, as Alula has made sure to be there for lunch since we've decided to stay. “Not yet… but i'm not too worried just yet. She'll be here soon hopefully.” He says, but im still worried. What if… “Hey, don't worry about her, okay? She can handle herself… even if she’s a bit reckless.” Calamus says softly, as he finishes lunch.

“I guess you're right…” i say and start to eat. Eventually he speaks up again. “Thank you for finding her, by the way. I know i already thanked you but… well you've been getting along with her really well and we're far enough from the village that she doesn't really have… many friends. Not to mention you've been making sure she doesn't get trapped again with how the squares have been showing up more and more.” He says, as i just nod happily. “Well it's hard not to be friends with her! Pretty sure Siffrin and Frisk would agree.” I say lightheartedly as suddenly Siffrin speaks up from behind me. “Sure, but you're the closest to her. Literally and figuratively with how she practically clings to you whenever she gets the chance!” They say, causing me to glare at them.

“What's that meant to meant, Mx. ‘doesn't know colors’?” I say jokingly as he dramatically puts a hand over their heart “You wound me, Niko. Truly, this is a betrayal i did not expect!” Siffrin says before messing up my hair. “But really, you i've seen you get up at-” Suddenly Frisk runs in.

>Guys! It's the squares!< They sign, the little screens text flashing red as it gives off a beeping sound. “Calm down, Frisk! What's with the squares?” Siffrin asks, and Frisk takes a deep breath to calm down. >Well Alula was on her way back! When suddenly- i… i haven't seen anything like it… the squares normally feel at least somewhat chaotic, right? Just spreading from pre-existing ones for the most part, or at least being close to pre-existing ones but… the squares just suddenly appeared and surrounded Alula! She- she's trapped! and they looked like they were going to spread enough to reach her at any moment!< They explain. All three of us have the same exact reaction. “What.”

———————————————————

[I am sorry, Alula. You seem to be Niko's favorite after all. But i cant have them stay here any longer than they already have, and i tried everything else. So… goodbye, Alula.]

———————————————————

○Oh! So this is what i felt earlier! Two whole new worlds have opened up to us. How much fun this will be, to watch how they live life! ＼(^-^)／ Though… what's this? What is Uni's favorite doing here? And that girl… well… i suppose it won't hurt to actually do something for once, especially not when it's to help someone! So let me just change this…○

———————————————————

☆Ah… A part of my Memory returns… it appears… i am needed. So, a wish was made… yes, this will be quite a tale for me to tell, when the Eclipse appears. This world's Story is predestined, however i can still lead it's actors to make new choices. All i need to do… is help her .☆

Chapter Text

☆Oh? Can you… see me now? I have to say, i did not expect this. Normally i'd have already forgotten again… however if i have yet to, then that must be for a reason. You will probably not remember our meeting once you awaken. Few people do. However do remember this, i, The Universe lead and you must follow. I will lead you to where you need to be, i will make sure if something goes wrong, you will not forget. I will make sure your friends get home. All you have to do, is allow me to lead you. And in order to allow that, you must follow the messiah. I hope we meet again. I would enjoy the company.☆

———————————————————

○There you are! (^-^)/ Took you long enough you silly little girl! Now i don't want to get all serious on you, based off those stars i saw appear, Uni probably Already has. (ー_ー;) But sadly i have to, because!!! Im giving you!!! A very important Mission!!! Follow the messiah, bring them to the Tower, whatever that is, and bring them and their friends home. I've made adjustments to… you so that You can do that… more easily. (^o^) So you'll feel a bit weird once you wake up, but don't worry, it'll be gone fast! Now im sure your friends will have questions so if siffrin asks tell them i asked if their god talked to them yet. (〃^ー^〃)○

———————————————————

Alula opens her eyes. The squares are… gone? Her head hurts, she's dizzy and she somehow feels… disconnected from something. Everyone is surrounding her, various looks of confusion, worry and Relief on their faces and yet siffrin looks… distracted. Alula knows they're the fastest, so they probably got here first, but then why…? “What's wrong Siffrin?” She asks and they just look at her… his eyes unfocused yet also focused at the same time.

“I saw what made the squares disappear.” And it makes sense why they're so distracted all of a sudden. “Alula did… did anyone… talk to you?” They ask… and Alula just nods. “Yeah… i think there were two… maybe? I don't remember what the first one said but the second… they asked if you've ‘talked to your god yet’ Siffrin what did they-” suddenly Siffrin just starts… laughing. A bitter, and sour laugh. “Of course it was them. Im going to make them wish they'd never-!” Niko walks up and slaps them “Snap out of it Siffrin, this is about Alula!” He just nods quietly.

———————————————————

“I take it everyone has been told who she apparently talked to?” Niko asks, and everyone nods, with Alula sleeping in her bed while recovering. “Okay. Which is why i want to propose something Calamus. What if we take Alula with us to the-” They get cut off by Calamus slamming his hands onto the table “No way! Especially not after today!” He says, luckily there's an adult present, otherwise this would've been the end of the discussion. “They make a good point Calamus. The refuge is better protected, you said so yourself.” Siffrin argues, causing Calamus to think for a second.

“Well… you're right but i just cant-” >Risk it? Her Staying here is more of a risk Calamus. And if you're really that Worried, you can come with too.< Frisk interrupts, and Calamus Thinks about it before nodding slightly. “Fine… but you'll have to go ahead, i'll get this place cleaned up. Until then, go sleep. We'll keep talking about this tomorrow.” He says, and the others do as told, they've already pushed a lot today, it feels like.

———————————————————

[This shouldn't be possible. How did she make it out, let alone unscathed? Looks like i'll need to- wait what? Why can’t i see Code anymore!?]

○That would be because of us.○

[Who-]

☆Let's have a talk, Young one.☆

Chapter Text

It's been… two hours now, you think? since everyone went to bed. But you cant stop thinking about how if you had just looked after Alula a bit more the squares might not have- You take a deep breath. It's okay, she's okay. Your mind drifts to the last thing you remember before ending up in the barrens…

———————————————————

It was late at night. You just did another pacifist route, as you've taken to calling them. In fact it'd only been around a week since you broke the barrier this time. You still remember your first time breaking the barrier. You stayed with Toriel, and it took you… two years, you think, to reset. Because no matter what, you couldn't avoid some humans starting to attack monsters. No matter how many times you loaded. So you reset. Again and again and again trying to find something in the underground that might snowball into the humans not attacking. But no matter what, you couldn't.

So you starting killing a few monsters. After finding out this resulted in you not breaking the barrier, you stopped for a bit but eventually you thought you had to, in order to find out new things you can do in a pacifist run. It kept going like this until you only kept your friends alive.

And then you started staying in the underground to find things out. At first Flowey started killing the people you stayed with to get you to move on but you explained it to him and eventually he listened. But still even with all the new things you learnt by going that you couldn't stop it. Only delay and speed it up.

Which brought you to then. “Are you going to reset already, Frisk? You have no patience anymore. It is as if you just want to keep everyone trapped.” Chara said, their voice echoing in your mind. You… remember how Chara used to act. At first they hated you, but once you freed everyone you became friends! However the more you reset the more apathetic they became, and now…

>Quiet, Chara.< You signed to them. And they just rolled their eyes. “What are you even planning on doing this time? We both agreed you tried everything.” They asked and you just… sat up on your bed. >Not everything. I have to kill everyone. Maybe then i’ll learn something that'll finally cause the humans to not attack!< You said. You're… not sure who you were rationalizing it to anymore. If it was to them, or yourself. “Hm. And here i thought you were different. Just trying to excuse genocide aren't you, Frisk? Is that even still who you are? How much have you changed since that first run, all that time ago?” They said. You couldn't blame them at the time, and you especially can't now. This time with Niko and Siffrin is the most you've felt like ‘Frisk’ in a long time.

>It's the only thing left Chara. I won't blame you if you hate me afterwards but… the humans are gonna do it themself if i don't and at least if i do, i learn something.< You said. The reset button appearing in front of you, as you reached to press it. And the second you did it… it…

———————————————————

You remember now. it glitched! It turned purple there were… squares… on it, and the it turned white, with a bunch of stars! You don't know what caused the stars, but the squares explain why you wound up here! Why they felt so intentional when they surrounded Alula! Something can control them. And it must've sucked you and Siffrin in by mistake. You decide to sleep now, you'll share what you remembered tomorrow, and then you’ll all head to the refuge.

———————————————————

“So if that's how you ended up here, then how did Siffrin-” Niko asks, as Siffrin sighs. “Believe me, i've tried to figure it out. But nothing that i remember lines up with what Frisk described.” They explain, and Niko hums in reply. >Where are we even going Siffrin?< Frisk asks as the three of them walk into the room where Maize Was before she… “Oh…” Is all that Niko says.

“I stayed with her until she died y'know. She looked me in the eyes and said ‘Thank you. I didn't want to waste more of the messiahs time but… i was scared to die alone.’ And i had to watch as she crumbled apart.” Siffrin says… placing a black clover where she sat. “Come on. We shouldn't keep Alula and Calamus waiting.” You follow quietly. There is nothing to say.

———————————————————

“You guys ready to go?” Calamus asks, as you come back. “Yup, we just need to sign our names and we'll be through!” Niko says excited. As Siffrin pats their head a little. “Calm down, Calamus said he had to do something remember? So we'll be going on ahead.” They say and you guys head to the refuge. Signing your name as stepping into the… wall? You guess it makes sense but it still-

“Guys did squares just block the entrance behind us.” Siffrin says, already sounding tired as oddly enough Alula looks back, not seeming scared In the slightest despite yesterday. “Yup.” Siffrin just sighs as they keep moving. Alula following and seeming worryingly… unbothered.

———————————————————

As Niko, Siffrin and Alula head to find the Elevator Button after a (admitably quite Short but you had nothing to add) conversation you walk around finding a platform with a bed on it??? And a… note on top. You're actually surprised, you haven't seen a note since the one back in the barrens.

“It appears i was right. You will need to enter the library and translate the book Niko got from the safe. You will need a library card, but there is only one… maybe if you take a picture together? Take a few in case it doesn't work. And then once you enter the Tower i have no doubt you will be seperated. Wait and Niko will find you, until we talk again.”

Hm. You'll have to keep that in mind. You keep looking around and before you know it, you're heading down.