-Asriel's POV-

I had actually fallen asleep! When I woke up, I looked at the sky. It was still dark, the stars almost brighter, it seemed. I sat up and looked around. "Chara!" I shouted around the dark hall.

"Shh, Asriel... I'm near. Just look!" I heard her voice. She threw a rock from where she was and fireflies erupted from that area. Then, like flicking water, Chara threw a few more rocks together creating ripples of fireflies.

I watched in fascination as Chara threw rocks into several different places. Finally, she stepped out from behind a large column. "That was cool!" I whispered to her, watching the glowing insects dance.

We lay back down and Chara erupted into a fit of coughing. "Chara, seriously, you seem to be coming down with something. Let's head home!" Through the blinking lights of the fireflies, I saw her nod.

I helped her up and we walked home.

Finally, we walked through the door and I plopped her down on her bed. I sat on the old chair Mom used to sit on and tell me stories. "Chara, are you okay?" I asked quietly, for both her sake and my parents.

"Don't worry Azzi, I-" Chara was interrupted by a fit of coughing. "I'm sure it's nothing..." I felt her forehead like Mom always did to me. Hot enough to fry an egg! "Chara, you're burning up..." Chara rolled her eyes.

"Just... just go to..." Before she could finish the thought, she fell asleep. I glanced over at the digital clock. 2:38 am. Sweet. I brushed hair from my sleeping friends face.

I turned and fell on my bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

★★★

I woke up to Chara having another coughing fit and Mom sitting next to her with her medicine kit. "Is she okay?" I asked Mom. She turned, seeming almost surprised. "Yes! I made some breakfast, mind getting her some?"

I nodded, reluctantly rolling out of bed and walking to the kitchen. There were eggs and bacon on the island, and I scooped some for me and Chara. Assuming Mom already ate, I only got two servings.

I entered the room and gave Chara her food. "How is she Mom?" I asked. Mom looked worried. "Oh my, I think the pie's burning!" She stuttered. This is my cue to follow her, since she never EVER makes morning pie.

"One moment..." I said to Chara. I turned to leave but she grabbed my hand. "Please don't leave..." She whispered. I smiled. "I promise, just a moment!" Chara's grip softened. I left.

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw Mom quickly putting together pie. "Mom, is there something you aren't telling me?" I asked cautiously. She remained silent. "Mom!" She looked up. "What?" Mom smiled.

"Stop that and tell me what's wrong with Chara!" I ordered. Mom put the whisk down and the mixed ingredients aside. She set her hands on the counter. "Asriel, I am SO sorry." Mom finally said.

I glared at her. "What do you mean, so sorry?" I swear if she says what I think she'll say. "Azzi..." She looked up at me. "Just stop it and TELL ME!" I found myself crying. "Chara is sick!" Mom finally cracked.

"She has something—and, and I don't know what it is but I CANT HELP HER ASRIEL!" I stepped back, shaking, tears drenching my furry cheeks. "Try something..." I whispered unsteadily. "Anything!"

Mom stepped from behind the counter and kneeled in front of me. "Honey, I can't..." She hugged me, and I wailed. Tears falling like Waterfall, my heart in pieces, I couldn't believe it...

"She'll... get... better though... right?" I hiccup-cried. Mom was silent. I squeezed her. "Tell me... please!" She sighed. "Oh, Asriel, I hate to say it, but only a miracle can save her..." I buried my face in her shoulder and cried louder.

This... this couldn't be happening, could it? Could it?! Chara's actually dying... No! I DON'T WANT THIS I DON'T WANT THIS I DON'T—

"Asriel?" Her voice tore through my mind. "Chara..." I whispered. I ripped myself from my mother's grip and ran to Chara.

-Chara's POV-

Asriel came running into the room when I called him. I heard him crying, and I hate when I hear that. I set my empty plate aside as he ran in and fell to the bed side. "Chara...!" I reached up and hugged him.

I comforted him as he held me tightly. "Why didn't you say anything..." Asriel muttered. I was silent. I looked up, trying to fight back tears. My chin wobbled and I finally attempted to answer. "I was afraid..." I croaked.

I gulped and tried again. "I was scared this would happen." I answered. "I didn't want you to worry..." Mom came in and told us that we couldn't go outside since I was too weak.

For the rest of the day, we played card games and made up funny stories. We made up theories, such as why stars twinkle. When Asriel finished that one, I didn't go. "Asriel?" I smiled, but I had a feeling he knew this was gonna be bad.

"Yeah?" He replied. I took a deep breath. "If I die..." Asriel stopped me. "You won't die! Don't say that..." I held my hand up. "If anything happens to me, Azzi, I want you to take my soul and go on the surface." Asriel looked surprised.

"Asriel..."

"Nothing will happen..." I heard him whisper.

"Asriel, I want you to see the stars."