You’re not going to make it.
You’re shaking, but whether it’s fear or exhaustion that’s making you tremble, you can’t tell. Your throat and lungs are burning, and it’s all you can do not to fall over. As you look up at the giant murderous-flower-turned-giant-goat-king that’s holding your kids captive, you decide to question every choice you’d ever made in your life that brought you to this point.
The city is so, so much larger than you remember. Then again, the last time you were here, you were much, much smaller. Your memory isn’t perfect, especially when it’s of something so long ago. Still, the idea that you played in these streets before Esther and the Orphanage took you in is laughable. The glowing city you saw from the train is not here. This is a city of ice, perfect facets of glass and cold steel only reflecting the light of the sun. Businessmen and women hustle past, dressed cleanly in crisp outfits. Your ragtag band, with their muted colored jackets, stand out in a sea of grey. The kids are all frightened, clinging to each other and you. You don’t know how to help them, or what to do. You’ve never been this out of your depth before.
Maybe if you get into the housing developments, things won’t seem so bad.
You lead the kids down vaguely familiar alleyways, away from prying eyes. Keeping your head down, you trust your instincts to lead you through the labyrinth. There’s not much else you can do. With no maps and little money, all you can do is wander. Alphys is sniffling, and Undyne’s halfhearted patting doesn’t seem to be doing much. You stop, and Asgore almost takes you out at the knees. Your immediate reaction is concern. Asgore is usually very aware of his surroundings, and if he’s losing it, everyone else is for sure. You look at the little group, everyone’s exhaustion and fear only amplifying your own. This isn’t going to work. You search your surroundings for an answer, your eyes catching on a forlorn playground down the street. Whispering quiet words of encouragement, you help them down the street, picking up Papyrus with one arm and holding Toriel’s hand. Undyne offers Alphys a piggyback ride, though she’s surely just as tired as the smaller girl. Asgore follows her lead, letting Sans sit on his shoulders. Mettaton and Blooky float gently around your head, moving as little as possible. Together, you somehow stumble down the street, collapsing in a heap near the swings as the long train ride and trek through the city finally catches up with you. Well. You’re in the housing developments. Closer to your goal, even if everyone seems to be a lot less determined than they were at the train station. You rest your head against the swingset pole, ignoring the dull throbbing that starts up at the hollow clang it makes. The kids are a tangled mess in your lap, your emotions are a tangled mess in your head, and over all you’re a mess tangled up in the city. When you were at Esther’s house, you were protected from the absolute insanity of your little quest, and you rode that security here. But in the bowels of the city, the overwhelming reality of the situation is coming back in full force. It’s worse than when you first left home, or at the train station too, because now you’re not even sure if you want to let the kids go home. They sure seem reluctant about it, and they’d become far more important to you than you’d ever expected they might be. It’s tearing you up inside, like leaving the orphanage for the first time again, but so much worse. You breathe, summoning the dregs of your courage. You need to calm down, for the kid’s sake. Someone clears their throat and your head snaps up in panic. A pair of soft green eyes meet yours, and a wave of ease washes over you. A quick glance confirms the kids have all managed to fall asleep, despite the miserable conditions, so you turn back to the spirit with a whisper.
“You’re one of the last two, right?”
The newcomer nods, sitting across from you.
“I’m kindness.” They say simply, reaching out to stroke Toriel’s soft ears. You nearly protest, but the look of contentment that crosses the small boss monster’s face stops you in your tracks.
“You’re at a crossroads now.” The other continues, gently untying their dirty apron and placing it gently over Undyne and Alphy’s sleeping forms. “You have a big decision to make, and it won’t be easy.” Both of you know what Kindness means, but neither of you say it.
“I’m not trying to convince you either way.” They promise, starting to stand. “All I ask is that you consider every option before choosing what might be best for all of you.” You follow their gaze to the kids, and look back up, taken aback by the fondness in their eyes.
“I trust you to do the right thing, Frisk.” They say, leaning over and pressing a ghost of a kiss to your forehead. It feels like home, and for a moment the ache of homesickness eases. You wake the next day with a burnt frying pan and a firmer resolution.