"What are you going to do?" Frisk asked, keeping pace with the fish-like monster.

"I need to restore everyone's faith," Undyne replied hurriedly, though there was a tug of guilt at her soul. "I can't keep relying on the hope that Asgore will come in and solve everything... I'll have to step up."

The human nodded, but she could not tell whether it was one of approval or just acknowledgement.

So far, the situation was under control, at least in the centre of the capital and the areas around it. However, Undyne knew that whatever they were doing now would not be enough in the future. While the monster who started that fight was currently being detained, it was very likely that there are more like him - afraid and losing faith in the Royal Guard's abilities.

Whether or not the monsters were infected with the Scourge, something had to be done.

Undyne sighed. Monsters were normally kind, passive people, but the Night Flowers changed that so easily. It was just unbelievable, if she had not seen it for herself.

"Hold on, I need to make a call," she said, remembering something. There was still the Flowey situation, and this time, it was personal.

Almost forgetting that Papyrus' phone was broken, she dialed Sans' number, putting her phone to her ear.

"Heya. What's up?"

"Hey, it's Undyne. Did you hear about-"

"Yeah, we did," Sans interrupted uncharacteristically. Undyne frowned at this, but she did not make any mention of it.

"We need to figure it out together, since Frisk is involved. Do you know where is the Royal Guard armoury?" Undyne asked.

"I do!" Papyrus piped up.

"Okay, that's good. Meet us there as soon as possible," she said.

"Sure, but why the armoury?" Sans took over the phone again, sounding rather tense. "Wouldn't there be Royal Guards there?"

Undyne addressed his concern. "Don't worry, everyone is out on duty. We wouldn't be disturbed. Remember to avoid the cordoned off areas."

"Got it."

Hanging up, she turned back to Frisk. "I got the two brothers to meet up with us. As soon as I'm done here, we will talk about what to do about Flowey."

She paused, recalling how they, without a second thought, attempted to do what Flowey wanted, and so easily too. A tremor of fear rippled across her body as she tried to put away the possibility that they would try it again.

"You won't try and leave again, will you?"

"I... c-" Frisk began, but silenced themselves a moment later. In response to her question, they nodded weakly.

It did little to chase away her misgivings, but she chose to accept and trust it, at least, for the time being.

After making a quick trip to the armoury to put on her armour, Undyne headed towards the podium. It was where Asgore usually did his monthly addresses and conveniently, it was nearly time for this month's address.

With every step she took, the pieces of armour clanked against each other, reminding of her duty, the heavy burden resting on her shoulders. Hesitantly, slowly, she took her place.

It felt... wrong for the fish-like monster to stand where the well loved king always did, looking over the monsters. Asgore's absence was like a gaping hole that Undyne had to try and fill in, even though she could never be like Asgore.

Still, she stood, determined, holding the mircophone in her hands. A quick tap on it told her that it was working, catching the attention of those nearby. "Citizens of the Underground," she began.

Suddenly, Undyne felt all eyes on her. With that came an atmosphere of confusion, so obvious that she could almost taste it - a perplexing mixture of sourness and bitterness. She swallowed, willing her nerves to go down with it.

Without realising it initially, she was looking at Frisk, who easily blended in with the gathering crowd. Then, they nodded.

"I am Undyne, Captain of the Royal Guard. Currently, Asgore is unwell, so I will be taking over for today." Of course, it was a lie, albeit a necessary one. If she had told the truth, everything would fall into chaos again.

"I know all of you are confused about what's happening..."

The mass of monsters below let out a murmur of agreement.

"... and to be honest, I am still in the dark too. There's something I do know though. It's some sort of a plague, known as the Scourge, that spreads to people through the dark purple flowers, or Night Flowers, that you might have seen around. By being close to them, your emotions will be taken away."

Hearing this, a ripple of disbelief came from the crowd, rising in intensity like an endless set of roaring waves. Refusing to be deterred by it, Undyne continued.

"We believe that it is the cause of the riots that have been occurring since yesterday. The rioters did it out of frustration, perhaps-"

"Then everyone who rioted did it of their own accord?" A monster voiced out their thoughts anxiously.

She jumped to their defence, speaking firmly. "Perhaps it was the pent up and unspoken frustration and desolation that they, that everyone, felt about living down here. Because the Night Flowers made it more evident, they were confused. Flowey, a talking flower who is an emerging threat, took advantage of it, intending cause chaos."

This time, the crowd was speechless.

"Now is not the time to fall apart," she spoke, surprised at herself, how those words were flowing out so easily. "What's important is that we stick together. We help the ones affected. I know the Royal Guard has not been fulfilling their duties properly, and as the Captain, I take full responsibility. I assure you that we will do whatever we can and eliminate the threat. I will personally see to it that Flowey will not hurt anyone else. All that I, and the Royal Guard, ask of you is to put your trust in me, in us."

When Undyne finished her speech, she expected a murmur among the crowd. Instead, they remained silent, taking in what she had said.

Someone then started clapping. One by one, everyone joined in. Taken aback, Undyne could only gaze at the crowd, sensing their common feelings in their eyes.

They were going to trust her. They were supporting her. Despite her failures, they still forgave her.

She let out a breath that she did not know she was holding. I did it.

Looking towards the non-existent sky, she found herself wondering if Alphys, or even Asgore, was seeing all this. Would they be proud of what she had done?

Undyne climbed down from the podium, finding Frisk, along with Papyrus and Sans, already waiting for her.

"Oh, you came," she said. "Just on time."

"Yeah, we heard your speech," Sans responded. "Looks like you have everyone's backs."

Frisk nodded, confirming his statement. "You did good."

"Thanks." She smiled.

That was when she realised that Papyrus had not said anything to her, which felt off. Normally, he would be excitedly praising her, or even just talking, but he was perfectly silent.

"Papyrus, what's the matter?" Undyne asked worriedly.

"You... said that you would eliminate the threat..."

"Yeah, Flowey. What's wrong with it?"

"You are going to... kill him?" he asked quietly.

"Yes."

"Why?" Papyrus questioned. "I... think Flowey can still be saved. He's in pain, and I-"

"He can't be saved, Papyrus," Undyne interrupted him gravely. "I mean, look at him... there's no way to save him. I'm sorry."

Sans frowned. "Undyne-"

"Sans, please stay out of this. This is between Papyrus and I," she requested, turning back to Papyrus. "Please... understand that not everything can be saved. Flowey wanted to kill you! He caused chaos in the Underground, and who knows how many more he has hurt!"

Papyrus was clenching his gloved hands tightly and looked up at her with a newfound determination in his eyes that nearly threw her off.

"Flowey can change," he insisted. "When I fought him, he hesitated! If... I had more time, I could have stopped him... Please Undyne, let me do this. He's in great pain, and he needs my help."

Undyne was speechless. She should have expected this to happen. Papyrus' desire to help others was a powerful determination that was beginning to clash with hers, just like the time when he wanted to be in the Royal Guard. That was the greatest error she made.

She had forgotten how the past impacted the present.

------------------------------------------------------------

Have you noticed the foreshadowing leading up to the final part of the chapter?

Anyways, this was a hard chapter to write. To finally show the pieces coming together is exciting (usually this means that I start to rush things, which is a bad habit of mine), but thinking of decent conversations is difficult, especially for this.

If you enjoyed, do vote and comment your thoughts! They are always appreciated. :)