A shiver ran down the skeleton's spine. The parasite attached to him hissing at the chill in the air. His steps became quicker, crunching through the snow as he felt a pit grow in his non-existent stomach. It can't be now… this can't be happening yet… has time really flown by this time? He heard her voice carried by the wind… “There's still kindness in y-your soul… I-I know this isn't w-what you want…” The skeleton's hands began to shake. No matter how many times he heard her words, it still felt like a knife through the soul. The parasite whimpered, snapping him back into focus. They next moment he was running. He had to get there, he had too. The cyan scarf fluttered in the wind, wrapped around something. He knew what it would be. Tears collected in his sockets as he dropped to his knees to pick up the bundle. Peace Jr.’s dusting head. He smiled weakly, as the other parasite cried and nuzzled him. He nuzzled her back, whimpering something to her. The one thing that the skeleton knew from their language. /I tried…/ The last fragment of Peace Jr.’s soul shattered, turning to dust just like his host and friend… Peace. The Wonderful Peace…. The skeleton clutched the scarf tighter as the parasite let out the mourning wail she did every time they went through this… “Peace…” The skeleton choked out, the tears overwhelming him. “Why can't I ever stop this…? WHY CAN'T I SAVE YOU!” Stars, he wanted that human dead. He wanted them to feel his pain. He wanted Justice for his sister and friend. And he had the Bravery to face that rotten human. ... Chaos began to sweat as he sent another wave of bones to the human. How many times have they done this? He lost count a long time ago… Silky snarled as she powered up another plasma beam. That would be the last of their magic, wouldn't it? When the human dodged, a cruel smile on their face, Chaos seized their soul with blue magic. “You're not gonna win this, kid.” He glared at them with all the hate he could muster. “Especially when I don't give you the chance to even move.” Why did he still try this method, even when it failed countless times? He didn't know. Maybe because he hoped for something different every time. Where the kid actually gives up. Where he can finally be back home without having got through this… After a long moment, he felt his sockets droop. Stars, he was so tired… Not even Silky's panicked noises could keep him awake for long. He felt himself sway on his feet, making Silky whine something to him. A small nap won't hurt…. He needed to replenish his magic anyway… The moment Chaos drifted off, his magic hold on Frisk was broken. Or would it be Chara? Silky wasn't sure since she mixed up names a lot. She whimpered as the human brushed themselves off causally. And they began to step closer. And closer. She tugged at Chaos’ jacket, whimpering. She couldn't use any magic since they were practically out! She could hurt Chaos! The one that kept her alive all these years! The one that gave her food, love, and a family! The moment Silky saw the human press the ‘FIGHT’ button, she knew she had no choice. ////// Chaos’ eyes flew open at the Slash. A part of his soul shuddered as Silky was split in half. He collapsed to his knees, catching her head in his hands. “No, no, no… Silky, y-you…” She smiled warmly as the other half other body dusted away. She purred as she tried to nuzzle his hands. She closed her eyes, knowing what was coming… She did it again… why would she- He snapped up a moment too late. ////// Chaos coughed up bl00d as clutching the wound he now had across his chest. Silky dusted into his hands, as he stared up at the human now towering over him. “Y-you really don't know how it feels… to lose a part of your soul… but still be alive…” He forced out, holding back tears. He coughed up more of the crimson substance as he forced himself to his feet. After years of having Silky, his balance was completely off. He wobbled on his feet as he forced a smile on his face. “W-welp… I'm going t-to Grillby's…” He stumbled and wobbled as the human continued on their way. He collapsed against the same pillar he always did, pulling out the tattered cyan scarf. “D-Do you want anything, Peace…?” He choked on a sob at the end as he felt the dusting beginning on his weakened body. It almost felt like he was fading away… It felt like there was something missing… both his in soul and his tailbone…. /I'll see you soon, Silky…/ Then everything faded to black.
… Chaos sat up abruptly in his bed, Silky crying out in surprise. ‘RESET.’ The two met each other's eyes for a moment, before Chaos pulled her close against her chest. Tears threatened to spill over, but he couldn't just yet… “Brother!! Peace Jr. and I are going to recalibrate the puzzles! You better get your station soon!” Peace called over, still sweet and happy as always. “Got it, Sis!” He called back. Stars, he could win the best actor award with how perfectly fine he sounded. How well he held himself together until Peace wasn't around. The moment he heard the front door close, the sob escaped his throat. Silky cried into his chest which only made him hold her tighter. “W-We still… g-got a while… before t-the kid… shows up again,” Chaos whispered to Silky. She whimpered, knowing the pattern as well as he did. They never did two Geno routes in a row. The two of them had at least two or three Pacifist or Neutral routes before it started again… five if they were lucky. And if the last was Geno… then they'd be staying at Tori's for quite a bit. “I-I need some ranch…” And this time… Silky wouldn't complain or try to stop him.