Sprite...paused. His pointed teeth were exposed as his jaw was agape. They.... stopped.

The pressure of the room lifted a bit, the fog rolling backward, away from the pair of monsters in front of him. He felt his fists relax a bit, his head lowerinf as he stared to the ground.... he had no idea who these two were... but they had stopped and given Sprite the benefit of the doubt. Something that he had felt was rare. They were quick to assume... but they stopped of their own volition. It was...perplexing.

"I....uhm..." he felt his voice crack as he looked back to the two, his eyes shuddering. That red aura... that determination... it flickered. Something felt off. They others had been so quick to judge, but he had never seen someone hesitate like these ones. It had thrown the boy's (admittedly warped) perspective for a loop.

We just wanted to help.

".Ah....hah..." He breathed, holding his forehead as he dug his nails into his forehead. He felt his soul shudder.

"........"

"........"

What was happening?

Were these two...capable of looking past their perceptions? Had they been able to not assume the worst?

"Ya got some pretty big cajones for comin' back."

Sprite's head shot upward, his eyes suddenly burning. He felt his face crack, until it shattered into an expression of pure rage. His nails stabbed into his forehead until he could smell the faint traces of his own dust. Tears exploded into his eyes. A cone of cold exploding around his chest as he the pucks power roared, ice and particles bursting uncontrollably around him as the temperatures skyrocketed to new lows.

"You.....it had to be you..." It was Cherry and Gust that had scolded him as such... it was Cherry and Gust that didn't understand him. They told him his actions were a mistake.

"The way you handled that was disgusting..." she had said.

Something snapped inside Sprite.

"WHY COULDN'T YOU JUST ACCEPT MY HELP? WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE YOUR WAY!? WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS?"

An explosion of burst from Sprite's being, booming forward like a blizzard, his eyes practically glowed as tears continued to evaporate off his face like steam.

An unfamiliar voice indeed. There were three of them, that much was sure. But it wasn’t him. It wasn’t him. The puck felt his shoulders shudder as the crippling sensation of loneliness began to encompass him, his breathing reaching shrill levels as he dreaded the thought of meeting a stranger.

The air grew even colder, his fists tightened fiercely as his muscles began to tense, the freezing mists practically pulsing around him. With back was facing the group approaching from behind, the puck felt his neck creak in their direction.

Silence.

With each inch that his head turned....patches of frost creaked across the cave. The very air became saturated with the crippling cold, and chilling silence of the boy as the very atmosphere became encumbered with a an indescribable weight. Frost spread, swirling violently across the cave before stopping directly at the search parties feet.

The ice sizzled, the temperatures so low that it almost appeared as if the rockitself was burning. The visage of the teen met the gazes of Zephyrus’ party, only for them to be greeted by something unnatural.

Deep, pulsing red irises stared back at them as Sprites fangs began to break into a sneer, a putrid shadow encompassing the rest of his body as all light seemed to be sucked from the environment in one fell swoop. The mist rippled, the ice around be puck’s feet cracking as his hair began to jut unnaturally from the raw power that began to ooze from his form. Any breaths that the boy made became masked by the overwhelming pressure that his form gave off, the sheer determination and willingness to slaughter them all exploded into the atmosphere like hot knives, daring them to say anything or take one simple step further.

Absolute silence.

Sprite's vision flashed as Gust's fist planted firmly against his face, his neck hurling backward as he staggered. A loud clap would echo throughout the dome of ice as the impact was made from the sheer force of Gust's  punch shook the foundations for just a moment. He winced as taste of his own cheek was now fresh on his tongue, the orb of ice in his hand falling to the ground and shattering. His previous attack had proven futile, as Gust had crafted a method to nullify his attack with cunning. As much as Sprite hated to admit, it was a rather clever tactic.

Sprite's back was arched backward as his body shuddered from the blow, the ice fragments being swept away by the gust of wind the cheetah had created to neutralize his attack. The puck was quiet.

The sound of their beeping headbands chimed throughout the prison. Blue Lights would flicker as a temporal shift surged across the entire world.

Blue....

Blue....

Blue....

...Red.

The air grew thick.

The brilliant blue crystals that had surrounded them began to darken, a blood red hue consuming them as they pulsed with a caustic energy. Sparks of magic crackled throughout the cavern as the puck's body rose calmly. A jagged smile stretched across his face as he laughed. So this was what Flowey spoke of... this was the power of a reset. Sprite's body pulsed with the crimson energy, granted to him by Flowey's most recent death. A wave of satisfaction and reflief circulated throughout Sprite as he could take peace in the fact that Flowey had told him the truth.... He was immune to resets as long as he wore the crown... and he would grow stronger with Flowey after every reset. It felt good. It was intoxicating.

"...how bout we try that again?"

Sprite's arm blurred towards Gust's neck as his fingers wrapped fiercely around his wind pipe, squeezing firmly. With his free hand, Sprite clenched his fist tightly, his hand pulsing with frost as it began to form into a gauntlet. As it finished forming Sprite looked to Gust with a grin.

"My turn."

The puck's eyes flashed as he sent a punch directly to Gust's gut, the ice jabbing in fiercely. As he retracted his fist, he laughed once more. "Not done yet." A series of rapid fists slammed into Gust like a machine gun as he continued to hold him firmly by the neck. With each strike he laughed even harder, before finally releasing the Cheetah, dropping him to the ground. Yet right before Gust would touch the floor, a final hook surged directly to Gust's jaw, the ice covering Sprite's fist shattering on impact, sending the Cheetah hurling across the room. Sprite grinned as he shook his hand, grinning as the pain from his onslaught pulsed through his fist. He wiped his nose, the faint scent of dust filling his senses as he snickered.

"I think I've established enough."

Sprite's hand moved to his chest, grasping onto the zipper of his parka as he pulled it down. He watched the others carefully as he calmly tossed the jacket to the side, revealing a black tank top. Sprite stretched his arms, his lean, yet clearly defined muscular features now present as he grinned sharply. A deep, droning sound echoed throughout the chamber as the red energies of the ice pulsed, the dim light brightening and darkening every few seconds. Sprite casually walked towards the group, a shadow looming over his face as he trekked onward, a faint swagger to his steps.

"....I already told you why I didn't kill you Gust." He finally answered, hoping he could be heard after the beating he had administered, casually moving a hand through his hair, his fingertips resting on the crown's jewel. "You listened to what I had to say. You finally shut your mouth and listened to why I'm doing this. I don't expect you or Cherry to understand. You're too preoccupied with trying to be my friend. I don't need any other friends besides the ones who see me for who I am and accept my choices."

When Cherry spoke, Sprite's eyes glowed viciously as he snarled to her, his hand lowering. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. Your perception of right and wrong, how you expect others to shift their beliefs or choices if someone makes a decision that contradicts your own set of personal morals. You are so expectant that someone would change after your judgement, it's disgusting. My friend told me a lot about people like you... he knew exactly how I felt... and I didn't criticize how he went about his life. The best things in this life are unadulterated."

Sprite stopped, his tone low.

"I'm not trying to change anyone or punish them for their choices, I'm just purging anyone who thinks they know better than everyone else. Look at Grillby here, he thinks he knows everything. This guy thinks that his offer of "peace" is the "best" way. Look at how he asserts his beliefs so strongly, intervening when it isn't even his business. I don't know the rest like I know you three. I found it quite fitting to herd you three together because of your toxic mentalities. You may think I'm being a hypocrite, but I'm merely reacting to what I see. Everyone makes their choices, but when people are too afraid to express themselves out of fear of judgement, then something needs to change. People who force such a burden on others...deserve to die. And the more I kill, the more power I gain....and let me tell you all... I've gained so much. Hehehe....I don't even recognize myself anymore....and I've gained all of this... by following my desires. I did what came naturally, and I love it."

Potent magic circulated his body, his muscles tightening as the magic coursed through him."Isn't it disappointing, to know that you all are held back by your own fear? But I guess you shouldn't take what I say seriously. After all, I'm just some kid who doesn't listen to anyone... I should let others consume and control me....to hell with that. I'll gain power myself and carve the path to my dreams. I'll do it my way."

"And killing you three will help me achieve that. Not because I need to...but because I want to. If it weren't for you... I wouldn't have made the choices to push myself this far....... I'll never stop killing as long as people like you walk the Underground."

Sprite felt his grin widen as he watched Gust's unease,  the cheetah's reactions always a satisfying to digest. His gaze would shift the recovering Sakura, a tiny cackle erupting from his mouth as he took in her frustration, noting the flames consuming her hands. "Your face, if only you could see it right now. Those little wrinkles in your nose, the way your forehead throbs, it's kind of cute, but  like...you're not really my type. Still, like, I dunno, you really gotta see it sometime. Hehe."

Sprite leaned to the cube, adjusting a bang out of his eyes as he knocked on the metal a bit. "Oh this thing? Didn't you hear that scream? Not sure what kind of prize you're after, but I won't judge. But uh... you're not getting it anyway so I don't know why you're even asking." His gaze shifted back to Sakura as he casually leaned against the prison. "...and I'm not going anywhere." His tone shifted, the pressure intensifying as he crossed his arms, daring them to strike. "I'm in your way? No no... reverse that. That's some wishful thinking if you think I'm going to turn back now. Come at me whatever direction you both like. Push me, I want to see just how much effort I have to put in before both of you break. It'll be fun, I promise."

Sprite felt his ears twitch as his gaze shifted dangerously toward the dragoness who had begun to approach. She may possibly notice his sharp gaze, but she wasn't close enough yet to warrant his attention. She was with Undyne.... an enemy. Yet before Sprite could even think about Cobalt...

A blazing ring of fire formed seemingly out of nowhere, surrounding Sprite as legitimate surprise overtook him for a few brief moments as the unnatural and polarizing effects of the flames put him into a fight or flight situation.  The puck would scream, frantically jumping around the small circle, his eyes frantically searching for escape, his breathing sharp and erratic as his pleading gaze met Grillby's gaze, his stare practically begging for mercy.

And yet, the rain was pounding.

Sprite was still, his expression shattering. A cool smile smeared over his face.

"....heh...."

The sound of a finger snapping could be heard throughout the cavern.

Time would stop, or so it would seem. Casually, Sprite raised his hand as thousands of raindrops would suspend in midair, sparkling around the boy and the small crowd that had gathered around him. Gallons upon gallons of liquid would emit a loud groan as the sound of flowing water boomed through out the cavern, it's liquid presence intoxicating to him.

Sprite's teeth flashed, a glow illuminating his eyes as he lazilly lowered his hand, gesturing the molecules around the flames. They began to quiver in hunger. "...Tell me, have you quelled your desires for such dull word play?" Sprite breathed.

He flicked his wrist.

The flames screamed as the the molecules consumed the ring of fire in nothing short of an instant, the water striking with the ferocity of a serpent. Steam exploded towards the ceiling, desperately trying to escape into the air. As if the wind itself was wailing in protest, the steam halted before it was dragged against it's will towards Sprite open palm, its moisture being absorbed into the puck forever. After all the steam had been consumed, a plume of icy mist was exhausted out his nostrils, the vapor's gently caressing his nostrils as he relished the moment.

Sprite chuckled softly.

".....I hope you've got better material than that, Grillby. You can't get all washed up on me already. Though I can't say I blame you...you're clearly out of your element."

He laughed once more, putting his hands into his pockets as he stared to all three of them, and watching Cobalt in the distance. His stance was wide, and an aura of raw confidence began to drip from him as he smiled. He seemed older, more sure of himself. Many things had changed since that fateful day in waterfall, and he was loving every moment of it. He couldn't thank Flowey enough.

"So....who's first?" he tilted his head, raising his chin and nose with pride as he flashed his teeth. The drops of water still floated aimlessly around the puck, clearly under his control. Despite the odds being 3-1, Sprite's confidence did not waver. He was determined. "I can't wait to show you all what I can do."

"Oh well, no problem then. I'm glad to help!" He smiled to Trinity, his face bright as he walked towards them. His gaze shifted, looking to the dogs for a moment, stopping as he looked to the badly injured one. "..." Calmly, he walked past it and met with Link and Trinity, a youthful grin smeared over his slightly angular face.

His eyes moved to Link. "Man, I bet that guy deserved it...huh? Heh... I bet it felt good right? I know the feeling... the ability to snuff out any life you want, to inflict pain on those you deem worthless, to assert your will...it's exhilarating...and look at you, you did it to the people that are working for you to help you achieve your dreams. Wow, I gotta say, that's really something I wouldn't dare do to the people I depend on." Sprite's tone would shift, a now chilling gaze present, the mist wafting cooly between the two killers. "Yeah, I'm sure you do look forward to fighting with me, hopefully I don't step out of line though...huh? I think it's funny that you talk to me with so much more respect than the guards. Oh wait, he spoke out of term? Guess it's his fault for trusting you then. Golly, what an idiot." Sprite mocked, staring to the elf. Oddly enough, despite the skin tone, they more or less shared the same features. "...You're not better than them. They're your partners, they deserve your respect." His gaze would sharpen into a glare as he stared at Link, his nose lifting slightly into a sneer.

He then looked to Trinity. "Man, that guy really makes me comfortable. Like....dang. If these are your personal guards...and that's how you treat them, why should they trust you? And Like...I dunno...what does that make me? You don't even know me, do I need a sword in my back if I like... ask how your day is?" He scoffed a bit. "You shouldn't take people who are helping you for granted, at least you're not alone." As Sprite breathed the final word, he took in a breath, vapor continuing to billow from his throat as he opened his eyes. "...But yeah anyway... I'm here to help you guys...and stuff like that, I guess, I dunno. If anyone else comes in I'm supposed to kill them. That's what I'm here for."


The pucks eyes widened as he looked up, the sounds of solid rock crumbling alerting him. As if a cruel joke had been played, a huge jagged grin pierced it's way across Sprite's face, his teeth practically flashing as he giggled.

"...Nice."

Looking to the slabs of rock, a few interesting images we're presented, yet as he heard Flowey's speech interrupted, his eyes practcially flashed with rage as he looked to the culprit.

That voice, that grin.

".....I guess someone forgot to take out the trash." He would murmur to himself.

Yet shortly after, he would hear a presence approaching. The air felt...warmer. The puck shifted towards the light which was produced by the flame creature, Grillby. A thicker plume of mist began to waft around him even more, the temperature around his body dropping exponentially. Flowey had not mentioned anything about this one. He was poised to strike, but hesitated, for two reasons. One....Fire being. Two...Trinity seemed to know him, perhaps another guard? Sprite cautiously watched him, for obvious reasons. "...sup." The ice being murmured as he instinctively shifted a bit. The puck's eyes would stay focused on Grilby's face, examining him closely. "...You own that shop...in Snowdin, right? ....Business bringing you down here for something?" Carefully, Sprite placed his hands in his parka pockets, tilting his head.

Winning.

The young puck carefully removed the crown from his head as the flower had just explained the true abilities it held within. He felt himself shudder a bit, his body reacting the excitement that had just coursed through him. Utter temptation and eagerness began to consume him as he looked to the gem deeply. Power... it was literally in his hands. He was finally able to look away from it then to his friend, a gaze of excitement present in his eyes. He wanted to win. The flower's laughter empowered him, filling him with Determination.

"...If I have to fight for my wish, I will... but I can't rely on your power alone. I...I may need this, but I don't want to waste it. I need to keep gathering power on my own too. Being unprepared is the last thing I want, and I can't let you down after everything you've done for me. I won't. I don't want to be reset... I don't want to ever lose you." Sprite placed the crown on top of his head, raising his hood. "If they betray us... I'll kill them all. I don't care if it's Gust or the trash. And if I die.... I'll refuse."

Sprite stood up, a passion now burning in his soul as he looked to his hands. He felt them pulse with magic, it's cool vapors and caustic frost crackling with each moment. Flowey's guidance and advice was brewing in his mind as he stared towards the exit. "I'll return even stronger.... I'll see you in a few days Flowey, I won't let you down."

Sprite left the cave, and for the first time in his life, there was confidence in each step he took.

When the flower leaned in for the embrace, Sprite felt his body tense.

Something about Flowey holding the puck caused his lips to quiver. This wasn't a dream, he had not just done the unthinkable in vain, Flowey was real. He was here, telling him that things would be okay, and that he made the right decision. He was becoming strong, and he had not been lead astray. Once more, the flower had come back and been there for him. Flowey was his friend. This reassurance of reality, it was difficult for the boy to fully comprehend.

"I...I...thank you." He admitted, trying not be pathetic.

I'm going to need you."

"A...anything. Especially for what you've done for me..."

Smiley Trashbag.

Smiley Trashbag....

Sprite lowered his hood, the crown still resting firmly on his head as Flowey began to explain how their enemy would be trying to halt what they were trying to accomplish. The puck found himself growing noticeably more irritable as the thought of someone getting in his way. What was this "Smiley Trashbag" trying to prove? Sprite would notice how Flowey would say his name, and it filled the puck with disdain. No... nobody would stop them now.

"I won't let that happen." Sprite found himself practically growling, the hardness returning to his eyes as he fought the urge to let his power flourish, yet he'd noticed Flowey wasn't fond of the cold. He contained himself instead. "I don't know who that is, or who is helping him, but if anyone's getting in the way... I need to kill them."

"I don't want my power to control me, I want to be controlling it at all times. I don't want it to influence my decisions, I want to master it, I want my power to bend to me.. I ran into Gust, the Cheetah who helped us crack the ceiling. He wasn't with the swordsman or Cherry, he was looking for her. I attacked him. I... it felt so great. Especially after the way he reacted to me when I tried to help, the satisfaction to watch him in pain... Flowey, I loved it....but I didn't feel entirely in control."

I could have killed him, I had his life in my hands, he was down, and I was dominating... but as I prepared my blade, my thoughts raced. I wondered to myself if I was killing him for myself, or to satiate the power inside of me. I told him it was because he listened to me, but I don't care what he thinks. It was just the thought of something else controlling me, it caused me to doubt myself, so I spared him... I know I should have done it... I just didn't want to give it the satisfaction. I wanted to kill Gust for me, and only me. I didn't want something else pushing me to force me to make decisions."

"If I need to embrace that, I will. If you think it's best for me, I'll give into that urge, but I'm just wondering if it's true strength to be dependent on a need, rather than me making the choice because of my own determination...? If there's anything that you think I should do, I'll do it. I don't want anyone to get in our way, and I know I need more power, but I just feel being in control will allow me to make the best decisions... for both of us."

"...I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking...it...I-m... s-sorry."

He lowered his head.

Sprite threw himself to the ground of Waterfall, the same place where they had met twice before. It was night once again, moonlight creaking through the cracks. His hands trembled as he clawed at his forehead, resisting the urge to scream. He had gained power, he was satisfied, he even got to beat Gust down, asserting his power and dominance in the situation. He had beaten him.

Yet Sprite was terrified.

His actions, his demeanor, it was all wrong. The way he carried himself, his personality, his originality, it had been tarnished. He didn't feel right, it wasn't him. He wanted to kill and gain power, but as he continued to gain strength, he felt himself slipping into something...else.

"F...Flowey....F...Flowey help me..... please...." He shivered, the feeling of loss overbearing as he slithered into a rocky corner, his eyes wide, unsure.

Sprite didn't want to be alone. "Flowey...please...!"

He needed his friend.