Visions. Strange visions, coming and going, things unrecognizable, things unknown. The figure watched them intently, attempting to concentrate on at least one vision, to try to make sense of it. But it could not, and the visions came and went just like that. But the visions never truly left, as all that needed to be done was to think about them.

So it stopped thinking, but only for a moment. After all, that was all it could do in this place. It opened its eyes, and saw nothingness, as it had for as long as it had been here. What was this, anyway? It really mattered not to the figure. This was all it had known, at least for as long as it cared to recall. The infinite darkness felt all-consuming, as though it were always swallowing the figure. It felt nothing. Yet, at the same time, it felt everything. Every laugh, every cry, every moment of joy, every moment of loss. It had witnessed a time before, a time where it, too, once was... alive.

The word stuck to the figure's metaphorical throat as that strange thought entered its mind. Was it once a living creature? Did it have a life before? Did it once exist? It had to have, as it seemed to be reliving memories it had no recollection about, memories of a life once lived, being... happy? What a bizarre thing to feel. Had the figure once felt it?

...Why were these strange thoughts and visions occurring now, of all times? Had something changed? The figure then remembered. It was watching what it knew as "the real world". A place filled with life, filled with others bustling to and fro, constantly moving, always changing. As the figure watched what it assumed was "living people", its attention was caught by a particular being. Unidentifiable, unfortunately. The figure focused on this creature, and suddenly a strange sensation washed over it. It was a familiarity, something it had once known.

Suddenly, colors. All of them, hundreds upon hundreds. Differing shades of blues, purples, reds, oranges... the figure had not realized that, until this moment, its view had been monochromatic. Nothing but black, gray, and white. Why were colors suddenly coming back? It did not know. However, the figure knew one thing was for certain; it wanted, more than anything else before this, to live in that world. One full of color, life, and happiness.

But how? The figure was in nothingness, nary a soul was present. Soul? Did it have a soul? Why does it know that word? At this thought, the figure felt a different feeling, one it realized almost immediately it had forgotten, one that it had before. It suddenly had a longing to embrace that feeling, a wish to eradicate the loneliness it had not known it had been feeling for so long. That strange, new yet somehow old feeling.

Hope.

This place was very damp, he now noticed. Damp and slightly chilly. Even with the sweater he was wearing, the slight cold somehow got to him. He was told this place was called Waterfall, but for some reason didn't expect this type of climate. Why would he not, though? He was underground, after all. But wasn't this a volcano? Shouldn't it be hot under here? Whatever, he didn't want to think about that right now. He figured the massive levels of trapped, concentrated magic probably had something to do with it.

He continued on his way through the deep purple caverns, reading the plaques hanging on the walls that told the history of this place, brief as it was. He learned of a war between the humans and the monsters. He learned that both had souls, and that human souls would persist after the death of the host. He shuddered, not wanting to think about what would have happened had those flowers in the ruins not somehow broken his fall. However, the idea of a war between the two species intrigued him, not because he was interested in reigniting that old flame, but because history itself had always had a firm grasp on his mind. He loved learning of the past, and what predictions it held for the future. He began to think about what that war had been like, almost entranced in the idea of seeing it for himself. He would not actually partake in such mindless activities, as the idea of killing or even bringing harm to another living being brought him heartache, but he would have loved to at least witness it, if only for educational purposes. Perhaps even learn of a way to have prevented it altogether.

He wandered onward, lost in thought, only to appear on what he realized was a bridge. Getting a strange gut feeling and being removed from his thoughts, he froze, eyes wide as a magical blue spear landed mere inches away from him. He knew immediately what this was, and glanced to his left quickly, spotting a large, armor-clad figure staring him down. He ran as fast as he could, knowing the figure was out for blood; his blood. He was forced to dodge spears that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and knew that if he stopped, he'd be pierced.

He continued to run, for what felt like hours but was in actuality only minutes. He sped up some when he spotted some more of the tall grass that had hidden him well previously. He froze when he got to the center of the grass, trying his hardest to contain his breathing, and stopping breathing entirely when he heard the loud footsteps of the armor-clad figure approaching. His heart began to pound against his chest so hard he thought the figure would be able to hear it, when it suddenly stopped. He heard the figure reach down into the grass, freeze for a few seconds, then reach down into the grass once more. Waiting a few seconds longer, he then heard the figure leave. Waiting long enough for the now distant footsteps to completely disappear, he sighed and almost sank onto the ground in relief.

After resting for a moment, he made his way out of the grass, towards what he hoped was the end of the damp caverns. Upon stepping out of the grass, he heard another rustling come from behind him, and froze once more. Oh god oh god oh god it came back and it found me and now I'm going to die oh god no no no. He very slowly turned his head towards what made the noise, and almost met with the ground upon seeing what it was that had followed him out of the grass with a hearty "Yo!"

Monster Kid! You nearly gave me a heart attack! He thought to himself, watching as the strange, armless child ran ahead of him after saying something about never washing their face again. Regaining his composure, he moved onward, passing by a table that had some cheese encased in a bizarre crystal. Huh, wonder how this got here... Deciding to ignore it, he continued on, down a hallway. The hallway had a... strange feeling to it. Walking down this hallway rather slowly and cautiously, he spotted a door on the left wall. He approached it, slowly bringing his hand up to the doorknob.

The doorknob was cold, and suddenly, so was he. An unnatural cold at that, as though all of his meager existence was suddenly drained from him. Choosing to ignore the sudden feelings of "I shouldn't be here", he meekly pulled the door open, just wide enough for him to squeeze himself inside. The room he'd found himself in was basically colorless, with a white floor and blackness as the walls that seemed to stretch upward infinitely. Looking at it, he almost felt himself get sucked into nothingness, that if he were to touch it, he would become trapped.

It was then that he noticed something. A figure. Not the one that had been chasing him down, but a different one. Tall and dark. It seemed to be lifeless, motionless. He approached it with the gentleness that would be found in a creature wracked with fear and curiosity all the same. As he got slowly closer, the figure jerked up what he assumed was its head, and stared at him with empty eye sockets. He felt rather unnerved by the lack of physical or even magical eyes. He froze for what had to have been the third time that day. He and the figure stared at one another, seemingly forever. When the figure did nothing else, he continued his approach, curiosity completely overtaking all his other senses for the time. Once he felt he was close enough, he stopped once more, tilting his head slightly to the right.

The figure mirrored this action. He returned his head to a natural position.

The figure did the same. It was now that he noticed two large cracks in its skull. How he had initially missed those, he had no idea. They were rather obvious. One crack was going upward from its right eye and likely to the back of its head, the other going down toward the hole he assumed was a mouth. Its mouth seemed to be stuck in a perpetual smile that told of pain, loss, and torment. He then spotted what he had to guess were its hands; large white shapes with what seemed to be gaping holes in each.

This strange figure looked... incomplete. He felt sorry for it, not knowing if it knew the state of its appearance, or if it simply didn't care. Maybe it couldn't care. That thought made him inwardly shudder. He hoped this figure was not harmful or hateful in any capacity. But, if it was, it likely would have attacked him by now. Instead it was simply... sitting there. He hoped it wouldn't suddenly attack him, then wondered if it even could attack him. Curious, he slowly raised a hand, stopping when his hand was about even with his eyes. The figure slowly did the same, stopping its hand when it was level with his own. Getting a strange idea, he leaned forward ever so slightly, just enough that his hand would be able to come into contact with the figure's.

It did not. His hand phased through. He gasped lightly, leaned back and quickly returned his hand to its spot at his side in one swift motion. He noticed the figure move its hand down just slightly, and saw a look of despair cross its facial features. Had he hurt the figure's feelings with that action? Did it even have feelings? The look on its face seemed to indicate as much. The idea of this figure... this creature, not having feelings made his own features fall slightly. Upon noticing the creature looking down, both literally and figuratively, he dared to make another move. Not a physical one, though. He did something he hoped he wouldn't regret.

"Who... are... you?" he asked, spooked at how loud his voice suddenly seemed in this empty void. He saw the creature jump with surprise upon him speaking, then begin to slowly relax itself. He was now unsure if the creature understood him, not expecting a reply. The creature cocked its head to the side once again, and now he felt sure it didn't. He sighed quietly.

[Who... am... I?] came the creature's own voice, sounding distant and garbled. Were those words? They didn't sound like any language he'd heard. Was that a language? Without realizing it, he'd taken a step back in surprise at the creature speaking. He returned himself to his position before the creature, and dared once more to speak.

"Do you... understand... me?" he asked, pointing to himself as if that would help make the question more understandable. The creature then pointed to itself, and once more cocked its head to the side. He sighed again, feeling as though he were getting nowhere. At least he knew it was sentient.

Deciding he was wasting his time with this, he turned to leave, taking barely a step before he felt coldness pass through his shoulder. He spun around and saw the creature holding up its hand, looking alone and sad. He felt sorrowful suddenly, figuring he was the first contact with another living thing this creature has had in, possibly, quite some time. He glanced at the ground.

"You... want me... to stay?" he questioned, looking back up. He didn't think the creature would respond or even understand what he was saying, but to his surprise, the creature slowly nodded. So it does understand me. Too bad I can't understand it... He shifted a bit, glancing at the ground once more. He couldn't stay here, he had things to do. But, he didn't want to leave the lonely creature here.

"Would you... maybe, like to go with me? I can't stay here, but if you wa-" he began, but the creature lowered its head and interrupted him.

[I do not... believe I am... able to leave... this room...] came its voice, still distant and garbled, now also sounding strained.

"... I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you're saying to me," he replied, disappointment in his voice. The creature quickly looked up at him, then lowered its head once more, clearly distraught. How was he supposed to communicate with something he couldn't understand? This was clearly a one-sided conversation, so what was he supposed to do? They looked at each other, the human becoming frustrated that he couldn't talk to the lonely creature. He wished he had some paper or something to write things down.

Out of nowhere, the creature before him lowered its head, then closed its eye sockets. Was it thinking? Was it planning something? Was it going to attack him? If it wanted to, it would have, he was sure. He removed that thought once more from his mind, common sense basically telling him he was crazy for thinking that. He stood there, confusion washing over him once more. The creature did nothing for a short while, then lifted its head.

Suddenly, he noticed the creature begin to move its hands. His eyes widened, recognizing what the creature was doing.

Do you know sign language? it asked. He was shocked that it knew what he thought was a human language. He suddenly had the biggest grin on his face.

Yes! he replied rapidly. The creature's features rose, presumably feeling elated that they could actually communicate properly. Both of them seemed grateful that the other was capable of such a feat. Happily, he tried once more. Since I couldn't get an answer, I want to ask again. Who are you? he signed, eagerly awaiting a response. The creature suddenly froze, then looked taken confused.

My name? Is that what you are asking? questioned the creature. He nodded. Slowly, the creature made letters with its hands. Gaster. It stopped, a look of loss on its face. Strange... It signed more. What is your name?

Funny, you're the first person to ask that! My name is Frisk! he replied enthusiastically. The creature he now knew as Gaster smiled.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Frisk, it said. I apologize that we are unable to shake hands, it continued. Frisk shrugged.

It's alright. I was just surprised that my hand went through you. Are you a ghost, like Napstablook? he asked. Gaster looked confused at the name, then chuckled almost regretfully.

In a sense, yes. I am trapped here in this nothingness. I have been for quite some time, it explained. A pit suddenly formed in Frisk's stomach. That sounded awful, and Frisk wondered how much time this creature had spent in this empty void of space. It had to be boring and, well, lonely. That would explain why the creature didn't want him to go. He frowned, realizing that he'd have to leave Gaster here, alone once more. Gaster cocked its head. Is there a problem, child? it asked. Frisk sighed, for likely the hundredth time. He didn't want to leave it alone again. That's not right. But...

Sort of. I... can't stay here, he replied, noting Gaster had dropped its head slightly, still looking at him. I have other things I need to do. I want to help free the monsters here. Gaster looked at the floor, and without looking back up, replied.

I see. Frisk felt like he might be sick. He snapped to get Gaster to look back up at him.

I really don't want to leave you alone again, though. I can't imagine how lonely you must feel, being trapped in here. Gaster looked equal parts happy and sad. Frisk thought for a moment, suddenly getting an idea. I know I said I can't stay here, but maybe I can come back and visit when I help free the monsters? he suggested, a small, hopeful smile forming on his mouth. Gaster simply stared at him, likely shocked at the suggestion. It lowered its eyes. Was it upset now? Did Frisk say something bad to it? Did he somehow sign that question incorrectly? He hoped not.

As much as I would appreciate that, I am... unsure... if that will be possible. I cannot maintain my connection to this world for long, it told him.

Well, there went that idea... wait.

If you can't stay here for long... were you... Frisk signed, suddenly shaky. He slowly backed away from Gaster, fear suddenly taking over. Gaster looked surprised, and must have realized what it said, as it quickly worked to fix the issue.

No, no, no! I was not planning to bring you with me, or bring any harm to you! I simply enjoyed the company! I wanted someone to speak with until I could stay no longer! Desperation and sorrow was plastered all over its face now. Frisk relaxed, then started to chuckle.

Of course it doesn't want to hurt me, if it did, it would have by now! Jeez, did I really think that?

I'm sorry for the rushed assumption, that was kind of dumb. I didn't mean to offend you like that! he replied. Gaster nodded, likely accepting the apology. So, how long do you think you have? Gaster made a small gesture, likely a sigh of relief.

I do not know, but it is certainly not long. Frisk shrugged.

Will you at least be able to tell when your time is up?

Most likely, yes. Frisk smiled, and decided to take a seat in front of Gaster, who smiled and shrunk down as much as it could, now closer to Frisk's level. They sat there and talked for quite some time. Frisk learned that Gaster was what is known as the royal scientist, a position regarded highly among monsters. He learned that Gaster had been working on its own way to free the monsters from the underground, but had several other projects it worked on, such as the core Frisk had not come across yet.

He learned that Gaster had been taken away from the living world through an accident involving what it called a timeline machine. It explained to him that the machine was meant to be able to detect anomalies and irregularities in the time-space continuum, and that the machine was also meant to be capable of traveling to different timelines. He told Gaster that if it wasn't comfortable telling that particular story, it didn't have to. It informed him that it was in the past, and it had come to terms with what had happened.

So Gaster told him of the accident involving the machine, that while working on ideas and preparing a particular test that day, it had tripped over some wires, and fell forward into the chamber of the machine that would have housed test subjects. Gaster informed him upon seeing his face that it would never use a living subject without prior approval, and that the test subject for that day was meant to be a coffee mug. Frisk sighed in relief at that knowledge, and allowed Gaster to finish its story.

Gaster told him that upon falling into the chamber of the machine, the door closed on its own, the machine somehow activated, and almost immediately, its physical body was torn to shreds, its conscience shattered and lost in this nothingness. Frisk asked if it knew how the machine activated, and was told that no, it did not. Frisk suggested perhaps it was sabotage, and Gaster informed him, swore up and down, that it was the only living thing present in the test room at the time of the incident. Frisk frowned at this and, not wanting to talk about it anymore, asked Gaster if it would like to move on to a new subject. Gaster nodded.

He learned, through more history, that Gaster was a father of two, and was secretly glad to finally have a gender associated with the name. Not interested in learning how a skeleton, which he'd also learned is what Gaster was even though he'd guessed that based on the more formed, bony hands and cracked skull, could reproduce, he decided to skip ahead and ask Gaster who his children were. It was only then that Gaster stopped, and lowered his head.

What's wrong, Gaster? he asked, after getting the scientist to look back up long enough to sign the question. Are you disappearing? Gaster shook his head.

No, no. I am... unsure if I should tell you about my children. They... do not remember me. Nobody seems to, he replied, a depressed expression clear on his features. Frankly, I am unsure if you will remember me upon exiting this void. He suddenly looked like he might cry. Can skeletons cry? If they could reproduce, Frisk figured they could probably cry. Likely magic tears, he mused. It seems that, ever since the accident, everyone has forgotten I ever existed. I am afraid that you will forget me, as well.

Well, why don't we test that? I can step outside momentarily, and if I come back in and remember, then we'll know! he suggested eagerly. Gaster cocked his head to the side, a quizzical expression on his face.

I suppose that could be worth a try. I do hope you are capable of returning. Frisk grinned, and stood up, still looking at the scientist.

Me, too. Okay! I'll be right back, hopefully! And with that, he ran to the door, and reached for the doorknob. He stopped for a second, glancing back at Gaster who was watching him with hope in his eyes. He then exited the room.