The True Ending

~Chapter 12~

AN: Here it is! Sorry it's a little later than promised, but I finally finished this part!

I hope you all enjoy!

EDIT: I forgot to mention, I use the term prince for both Asriel and Chara in this chapter. This is not to imply gender. When Chara first fell into the underground and became a part of the royal family Chara wanted to have the same title as Asriel. So since then monsters have used it to mean any heir of a royal family, regardless of gender.
~~~

The golden halo of dawn surrounded the small group of warriors, pacifists, and leaders as they stared at the past down the mountain. King Asgore and Queen Toriel stood at the very front. Behind and beside them, Undyne and a very eager Papyrus were poised, ready to defend if needed. Behind the party was Sans who, like Undyne and Papyrus, was there for protection. In the middle of the group were the children, Frisk wearing a very official looking robe Toriel had tailored for them. Chara had to admit they did look quite dashing, even if they wouldn't stop showing it off. Asriel and themself also wore robes similar to Frisk's bearing the delta rune in an intricate design across the front. Wearing these robes, they weren't just children, but princes and an ambassador. 

    The King cleared his throat. Everyone was quiet and they could hear the soft morning breeze blowing softly through the grass. Besides their group no one was awake, as Asgore did not wish to have a big send off after the speech the day before. The children held tightly to one another's hands, trembling with excitement and nerves.

    "Well, are we all ready?" The King asked.

    Slowly everyone around them nodded. Chara squeezed Frisk's hand and they squeezed back reassuringly.

    The King nodded. "Then we're off."

    The path leading down the mountain was barely a path. Many times they had to stop to clear branches and sometimes whole trees out of the way. It was clear no one had used it in a very long time. Frisk fell a few times, as was with their clumsy nature, but Chara or Asriel or one of the others was always there to help them up.

    The first sign of human life they found was a torn scarf hanging in a tree. It was small, the perfect size for a child. "A little kid was probably climbing the tree and left it there," Frisk inferred.

    As they went on the path became more clear and flat, worn down by travelers. Small signs of life continued to pop up. Eventually they came to a grassy field. It was cleared of trees and had barren spots of dirt in places. It looked like someone had lived there but had left in a hurry.

    "How curious," The king stated. He walked slowly on, though the others stayed behind at the edge of the field. He looked around for a bit. Then, his great booming voice called out, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

    Nothing. The only sound they heard was the gentle breeze blowing through the trees. The king sighed, then turned to the group.

    "I suppose whoever was here has left for a while. It is late, and the young ones need sleep. Let us make camp here for the night."

    Toriel began passing out the thin blankets she had brought for everyone. Papyrus and Sans gave their blankets to Asriel and Frisk, saying they didn't need to keep warm, seeing as they were skeletons. Undyne gave hers to Chara as she was taking first watch, and besides she could "tough it out for the little prince," she said while messing up their hair a little. Chara giggled and thanked her.

    Everyone settled down together on the ground. Since it was pretty chilly out they shared their blankets and warmth. Chara took Frisk's hand and Frisk squeezed it happily. Chara squeezed back, smiling, and laid their head on Frisk's shoulder. Soon they were both asleep, despite the distraction of Asriel and Asgore's snoring.

~~~

    "Psst, Chara," Frisk whispered. Chara felt a nudge and they slowly opened their eyes. A smiling Frisk leaned above them. Chara, though not happy at being woken up, couldn't help but smile back.

    "Chara, look, I see some lights coming from over there." Frisk sat up and pointed in front of them. Chara sat up as well. Their eyes caught a small glimmer of yellow light before it disappeared, then reappeared, then disappeared again.

    Frisk watched Chara, who had a curious look on their face. "What is that?"

    "Don't you remember fireflies?" Frisk took Chara's hand.

    Chara shook their head. "I apologize, it's been quite a while since I've seen the surface and I've forgotten a few things I guess." They laughed quietly.

    Frisk smiled, then tugged on their hand. "C'mon then, let's go."

    Chara followed them willingly to the edge of the forest, where they were slowly enveloped by tiny flying lights. Chara laughed and lifted their hand. One flew over lazily and rested there for a minute before flying off again.

    Frisk and Chara walked together deeper into the forest. Hand in hand they were slowly surrounded by the darkness and soon all they could see was the fireflies dancing around them. Chara felt Frisk's arms wrap around them and they sighed.

    "It's so beautiful," Chara turned to Frisk. "Thank you, for bringing me and everything."

    Frisk smiled at them, though Chara couldn't see in the dark. "Of course my love."

    Chara blushed, then slowly wrapped their arms around Frisk as well. They stood there, hugging and enjoying each other's warmth. Neither of them had ever felt so safe and protected like they did in that moment.

    Chara felt a breeze whoosh past their ear, and they jumped away. Away from the arrow that just embedded itself in the tree right behind where they had stood.