Waterfall had always whispered of forgotten memories—of old wars and softer dreams. Now, its silence screamed louder than ever.
Frisk's footsteps echoed against the wet stone paths. No monsters wandered here. No kind voices. Only the lingering scent of fear in the damp air.
Chara followed, her steps unsteady, her gaze downcast. The glow in her eyes had dulled to a faint ember.
Then, a small voice called out.
"Yo!"
Monster Kid stood nearby, trying to look brave. His wide eyes sparkled with recognition—and uncertainty.
"You're that human, right? The one who's… been, uh… real strong?" he asked, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. "You're kinda… scary now, but… you haven't hurt me, so I think we can still be friends!"
Frisk didn't answer. But they didn't attack either.
Monster Kid seemed encouraged. He ran to Frisk's side and walked with them. "Undyne's gonna be so proud when she sees me hangin' out with you! She's, like, the coolest, you know?"
The tunnel narrowed. Water trickled from the ceiling. The tension in the air deepened as they walked. Even Monster Kid grew quiet.
Then came the thunder of spears.
Undyne burst from the shadows, armoured and fierce, her eye blazing with fury.
"Stop right there!" she bellowed, summoning spears of pure determination. "I've heard what you've done! I won't let you go any farther!"
Monster Kid flinched but stepped in front of Frisk.
"Wait, Undyne! They didn't hurt me! They're not all bad—maybe—maybe they're just misunderstood!"
Undyne stared at him, her face twisting in grief. "Kid, move. Now."
"But—!"
Frisk stepped forward, blade drawn.
Monster Kid turned. "Wait… you're really gonna fight Undyne?" He stepped backward, realization dawning. "You… you did do those things, didn't you?"
Frisk didn't hesitate.
They lunged.
Monster Kid gasped and stumbled back—falling onto the stone floor. His small body shook. "I-I thought we were friends…"
The blade lifted again—
And stopped.
A flash of blue and gold.
Undyne stood between them, arm outstretched. Her armour clinked as she stepped forward, protecting Monster Kid with her entire body.
"You want to hurt innocent people?" she snarled. "You're not just a threat. You're a nightmare."
Her voice echoed with righteous fury as she declared:
"In the name of everyone you've hurt… Toriel… Papyrus… even that weird dog who licked my armour—
I'm going to take you down."
A wind blew through the chamber.
"Come on, punk," she growled, "it's time to see how determined a monster can be."
—
High atop Mt. Ebott, the rain fell harder now, streaking the girl's cheeks like tears. She held her book close, her fingers white around the edges. Her head lowered, and for the first time since the tale began, she pushed the book away.
Her hands moved slowly—uncertain.
The man watched her in silence, then nodded.
"You're wondering… if it was truly Frisk making these choices. Or if something else pushed them."
She looked up, eyes wide.
The man turned toward the fire, his hood casting deep shadows where his face should be.
"There are always two souls in a Genocide run," he said softly. "But sometimes, the question isn't who is leading—it's who is listening."