The morning in Snowdin was quieter than usual. Fresh snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, blanketing the forest path in a soft hush. Frisk stood outside Papyrus's house, bundled up and still feeling the warmth of last night's dinner—even if the spaghetti was more effort than edible.
Papyrus waved from the doorway. "HUMAN! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY! I'LL BE ROOTING FOR YOU FROM HERE—AND MAYBE PLANNING EVEN MORE TRAPS, FOR OLD TIMES' SAKE!"
Frisk gave him a small, grateful smile. "I'll come back."
"NYEH HEH HEH! THEN I SHALL PREPARE THE WELCOME CONFETTI!"
She stepped forward, crunching fresh snow, as Sans appeared beside her like a glitch in the scenery.
"heading out, huh?" he asked, hands buried in his hoodie. "just so you know... it only gets weirder from here."
Frisk tilted her head, curious but silent.
"not sayin' you should turn back," Sans added quickly. "but... maybe don't forget the folks who care. they're rare around here."
He gave her a half-hearted wink and vanished into thin air, leaving only a breeze in his place.
The path ahead curved into the rocky descent toward Waterfall. The cheery frost of Snowdin faded into the damp echo of dripping stone. Torches flickered with blue magic. The air grew heavier—not cold, but quiet, like the world was holding its breath.
Frisk walked slowly, boots tapping on stone, until a voice crackled through the gloom.
"Did you hear? She saw them again."
"She said they weren't human. Not really."
The Echo Flowers whispered around her, repeating fragments of long-forgotten thoughts. Frisk paused to listen, sensing the change in tone. This place was ancient. Sad. But peaceful in a way the other places hadn't been.
Further down, the soft sound of rushing water grew louder. A shadow moved on the far side of the bridge ahead.
Frisk stiffened.
Undyne.
She hadn't revealed herself yet, but Frisk could feel the tension ripple through the air. Someone was watching. Waiting.
She walked on, steady and calm, unsure of what lay ahead—but certain she couldn't turn back.
Behind her, a flower stirred at the edge of the rocks, its grin curling like a blade.
"Geez," Flowey muttered to himself. "She's making friends again. How boring."