Are You Sure This Is Love?

Chara's Lament

     Chara used to love puzzles. In all honesty, she had a passion for anything that would challenge her mind and get her to think in new ways. It made the world engaging; there was always something that would spin the light to reflect what was normal in a new way. Something to keep the world bright and alive in her mind as she gained more knowledge. Now, however, her heart boiled with nothing but contempt and frustration whenever her scarlet eyes landed upon a puzzle. Logically, it was not the contraptions fault. It had done nothing wrong, for it was merely a tool. A tool used by the twisted captor that kept her imprisoned here. And those thoughts were what caused her to finish every puzzle with a bit more force then necessary; shoving the proper key in place, forcing the dial to the final setting, or yanking a lever down. What else could she do to get these feelings out after all? There was not much else available; after all, Chara would not rip put the pages of a book without a proper reason and going against the tall skeleton who claimed to be her love was pure foolishness. The ginger haired woman had no doubts oncesoever that he was stronger than her; and that was a thought after discrediting his threats towards her sister. Whether or not he truly would carry out on them?... it unnerved Chara to say she was not sure.

What she was sure of was that escaping would be no easy feat. Puzzles she could understand. The thing that continued to baffle her was the amulet around her neck. Upon first inspection it merely appeared to be a gift from the once gentlemanly skeleton, but time liked to prove her otherwise. The first indications were the fact that Papyrus was able to find her anywhere, regardless of her silence or the care she took in sneaking around. That alone was not the only evidence she had, after all, that could be chalked up to his intelligence added to the fact they were on his home turf. Next was the fact that no matter how hard she tried, the darn thing refused to come off. Granted, perhaps it was a stringer metal and she just did not have access to the tools that would be able to break such a strong item. What was the most undeniable evidence was the shock of magic that felt like it strung through very soul one time she did manage to get close to leaving. Chara had been so shocked by the feeling her mind had instantly attempted to figure out how the pendant worked. Needless to say, Papyrus was beside her not too long after. Not that she really recalled when he told her as they walked back towards the library; all Chara could remember was her hand sneakily coming the drag her fingers over the cool, smooth surface of the stone and her heart pounding faster than she would like to admit.

Chara had no doubt that charm would keep her here until she could find a way to remove it. Every avenue she tried to take or study about the piece, though, was either a dead end or was quickly stopped by Papyrus. All she knew for sure was that it was related to magic somehow. Whether it was magically infused, tied to Papyrus' magic, was naturally a magicly conductive stone, or some other explanation she did not know.

She utterly hated not knowing so much. Not knowing how to get out. Not knowing how to break the stone. Not knowing the true motives behind these skeletons. Not knowing if anyone was looking for them. Not knowing if... if he sister was alright. Frisk was her shining star. They had stuck together through thick and thin, sisters to the end. Of course they had their disagreements and Frisk could get annoying at times yet.... neither of them had ever imagined something like this happening, never a future where they were separated like this.

The next puzzle clicked into place and she continued sharply to the next.

Chara had yet to see what Papyrus did when he disappeared from her side during the day or late hours of the nights. Honestly, despite the curiosity in her mind, her heart was terrified of what she might find. Regardless she knew he tended to leave for the longest times at night when he believed she was asleep. She needed to be quick on her feet. No stopping and no doubts in her intellect.

True, she did not expect to miraculously get out today. That is not why she completed these puzzles and heading through the maze of pristine hallways. Chara went through all this in order to find her sister. Her brain mapped these halls everytime she wondered down, taking notes and remembering the rooms left unlocked. Chara needed to see her sister; she needed to hold her, to hear her sweet voice as she asked how Chara had found her, and her amber eyes glistening beautifully in the light.

She needed to get Frisk out.

Frisk had never in her life done anything deserving of a fate like this. She held kindness as a core value, helping all those in need. Even when they had hurt them in the past. She had a drive that kept her from compromise in the matter and, she had helped Chara more than she had ever known. More than Chara had ever told her. An aching pang pulsed though her soul at that thought before it was quickly replaced with determination. She would free her sister, no matter what.

Another hallway cataloged, 3 more rooms searched, 5 more puzzles completed.

Another hallway.

Another room.

Dozens of more puzzles.

No sign of Frisk.

She grinded her teeth. Taking a breath she tried to remind herself to stay logical. Anger would no help her in her search. Such an emotion would only slow her down, and time was already running out. With a glance got the clock she confirmed her suspicion. It had been 3 hours and 5 minutes since Papyrus had left her alone. He most certainly was wrapping up whatever it is he did now. For all his negative qualities Chara could count on his punctuality and personal intellect. A challenge would not stump him for long, so even if something had come up he had a habit of checking in on her after 3 hours at the latest. Papyrus would find her soon.

Scratch that.

Papyrus found her now.

Chara managed to swallow back the gasp as she looked up at the monster now in front of her. After a beat of silence she sent her usual, cool stare his way. Papyrus raised an eyebrow before offering his arm to her. He seemed like a true gentle man...

Oh how wrong appearances can be.

Taking his arm wordlessly, the woman ran back through the directions and findings of the day in mind. She hoped they would simply read today, Chara had little patience to deal with amusing him in conversation;no matter how insightful those conversations might be. Chara just wanted to solve this mystery.

Chara simply wanted her sister back.