I just want to take a quick second to thank my beta reader tricksterflame for being amazing and helping me so much with my chapters. I also really want to thank all the people who have left reviews, especially Extreme Light 9, animefan29 and LuminousMoonRay. The reviews really help me keep going and make me smile when I need it most. All my gratitude and love to all of you.
Frisk had plenty of traumatizing memories. There were so many that they believed their life was nothing but horror and pain. But out of all those memories watching Mew Mew Kissy Cutie with Alphys had to be one of the worst.
Frisk was dead inside. They kept glancing over at Undyne, hoping at some point she would wake up and save them from this hell. Next to Frisk, Alphys let out an excited squeal. Apparently something important had just happened. Frisk didn't know what it was- heck, they didn't know what this entire series was.
How can a show this bad be created? Frisk wondered as they watched the subpar animated girl transform on screen.
"N-Now see here is when Mew Mew almost gets caught in a kiss by Thief Handsome! But her true love comes to her rescue even though he doesn't know Mew Mew's secret identity! It shows how true love can overcome all barriers even when you're hiding something from the one you…" Alphys falls silent. She twisted her claws anxiously and said, "Y-Y-You know w-w-w-what? This isn't even a g-g-good episode anyways. L-Let's skip it."
Frisk was torn between relief of not having to watch the rest of the episode and dreading watching all of the next one. How many episodes had they watched? It felt like seventy.
"Onto episode five!" Alphys said cheerfully. Frisk sunk into the chair and closed their eyes. When they didn't hear the irritating "IT'S SHOWTIME" opening song Frisk looked over at Alphys.
"S-Sorry, are you tired?" Alphys asked, "I didn't think about it but after everything you must be pretty exhausted."
Frisk hadn't thought much of how they were feeling. Ever since they fell into the Underground Frisk always felt like they were in a constant state of anxiety and exhaustion. Their concern over Undyne and rush after the battle with Flowey kept them alert. It was enough to keep them going for now. Frisk was about to disagree with Alphys when she jumped off her chair and brought over a small blanket to drape over Frisk.
"Go ahead and rest, I'll keep watch." Alphys turned off the TV.
Well, if it would get them out of watching more Mew Mew Kissy Cutie Frisk was willing to take a nap. Frisk nestled down and closed their eyes, ready to rest.
Except they couldn't. Twenty minutes later Frisk was still wide awake. They were tired and wanted so badly to fall asleep. But their brain was buzzing and Frisk couldn't get comfortable on the chair. Their head kept lolling around trying to find a comfortable position and Frisk had no idea what to do with their arms or legs. They constantly crossed and uncrossed them, hoping something would feel right.
Frustrated, Frisk got up and threw off the cover. Resting wasn't working.
Alphys looked up from the book she was reading near Undyne. "Is everything alright?"
'Can't sleep' Frisk wrote grumpily. They sat down next to Alphys and scribbled a little doodle on the side of their notebook.
"So, uh, about what I said earlier," Alphys said, "have you thought about it at all?"
'About what?' Alphys said a lot of things and Frisk wasn't sure which one she was talking about.
"About helping you to go home." Alphys said quietly. Frisk continued to draw, still unsure how to respond.
"I've seen what you've done to help others. And you get along really well with everyone down here. So I wouldn't mind helping you…b-but you might have some trouble with this robot I built called Mettaton. When I saw you coming I tried to disable his anti-human combat features and I-I-" Alphys reached out and looked as if she was about to hold Undyne's hand. She hesitated and her hand fell back down to her side.
"I'm a fraud," Alphys said suddenly, fat tears rolling down her face. Alphys dropped the book she was holding and hugged herself. "I'm nothing but a liar and a coward."
Frisk was alarmed. They didn't know what brought on Alphys' tears and weren't sure how to proceed with this strange turn of events.
Alphys sniffed, "I'm sorry. This must seem so strange to you…but after watching you I feel like I really know you but of course you don't know me and I'm just-" Alphys' lip quivered and more tears rushed down her face, "I'm just nobody."
Oh man what do I do? Frisk patted Alphys' back in an attempt at a comforting gesture but she shied away from their touch.
"I should just go!" Alphys stood up. "But I don't want to leave Undyne alone!" She sat back down. "But I'm probably just taking up space by being here!" Alphys stood up again.
Enough of this nonsense! Frisk grabbed Alphys' lab coat and pulled her down.
'Tell me what's wrong.' Frisk did not want to deal with Alphys' break down. They hardly knew the monster at all and her actions were confusing Frisk. But they also knew they didn't want to be left alone with an injured Undyne. So if acting as Alphys' therapist would keep her here, Frisk would do their best.
Alphys blubbered something Frisk couldn't make out. She continued crying and Frisk waited patiently until Alphys could regain some control over herself. Unfortunately it was taking Alphys quite some time and Frisk was beginning to lose patience with her.
'You are not a failure!' Frisk remembered where they heard the name Alphys before. Mettaton had mentioned her during their fight; she was the scientist who evacuated the monsters. 'Name one time you've failed!'
Alphys only wept harder when she read Frisk's words. Ok maybe that wasn't the best direction to take.
'I bet you've done a lot of good!' Frisk was only assuming but someone who worked hard to protect others couldn't be that terrible.
'Undyne likes you!' Frisk had no doubt anyone willing to watch the entirety of Mew Mew Kissy Cutie with Alphys had to either be crazy or liked the lizard a lot. Undyne was probably both. 'She trusts you!' After all Undyne believed Alphys' word on the so-called "battle cry." There was some sort of relationship between Alphys and Undyne that Frisk didn't understand yet but given by the way Alphys flushed at the mention of Undyne Frisk was beginning to think it was-
"You don't know anything!"
Ohhhh, ok so maybe Alphys flushing wasn't embarrassment but rather anger. She was glaring at Frisk through her tears.
"Undyne doesn't-shouldn't trust me! I've done nothing good, ever!" Alphys stood up, shaking angrily. She wasn't terribly intimidating-compared to Undyne and Sans at least- but she still struck an imposing figure.
Frisk scrambled up to meet her gaze.
"I-I've f-f-f-failed plenty of times! A-And I-I-I can't even o-own up to it!" Alphys shouted.
It can't be that bad, Frisk wanted to tell Alphys. If they were talking ultimate failures Frisk beat Alphys by miles.
"Y-You know what! Here! Take this!" Alphys suddenly shoved a key into Frisk's hands. "G-G-Go take a look and see! I-I'm n-n-n-nothing special! I'm horrible!" Alphys pushed Frisk and turned away, her body heaving with sobs. Frisk stood awkwardly, desperately wanting to escape the situation but at the same time reluctant to leave Alphys so distraught.
Alphys took in another breath and froze. She was thinking something over and suddenly whirled around. "I changed my mind! G-Give me back the key. That was a stupid idea." She muttered to herself. "It won't c-c-change anything."
"NONSENSE ALPHYS!" Both Alphys and Frisk jumped as the door flew open. Mettaton rolled in, his arms spread wide open. "This sounds like a brilliant idea!"
"Mettaton!" Alphys squeaked, "What are you doing here?"
"My dear Alphys, you were taking too long! I was worried sick! And we were supposed to do upgrades today as well, no?" Mettaton reached forward and grasped Alphys' hands. "But, when one door closes another chance for a new show opens! I heard your conversation with the human and I think it's marvelous!"
"You…do?"
"Yes! I've always wondered what was in that basement you never let me into! You always lock the door behind you so I can never follow you in!"
"You-wait, you were-you tried following me?"
Mettaton let go of Alphys, "I'll admit it! I was a sneak! But only for the pure art of investigation! In fact, that will be my new show! Mettaton Mystery Hour!"
"Mettaton I don't think-"
"YES! My dear, don't think! Thinking just gets in the way of success! One must do!" Mettaton moved over to Frisk and shook their hand. "Hello human! I am the one and only star of the Underground, Mettaton! I'm sure you've heard of me."
Frisk didn't have an answer to that and Mettaton wasn't waiting for one.
"And so, me and the human shall do and bid you adieu!" Mettaton moved fast. He plucked Frisk from the ground and grabbed their belongings as he dragged them outside Undyne's house.
"Hey, stop!" Alphys started to run after them.
"Alphys! I am ashamed of you! There lies on of your loves, broken and ill! You would just leave her alone?" Mettaton tsked.
Alphys stopped in her tracks which gave Mettaton just enough time to haul Frisk out of her reach. "Well then, goodbye! Give Undyne my love when she wakes up!" Mettaton wheeled away, leaving a stunned Alphys behind and dragging a bewildered Frisk along with him.
What…What just happened?
Frisk watched as Undyne's house and Alphys disappeared. Mettaton was humming happily and Frisk- well, Frisk was beginning to wonder if everyone in the Underground felt the need to pick them up like a doll.
"Hmm, now which way was it again?" Mettaton talked out loud to himself. "It's been awhile…ah, yes this way." Mettaton noticed Frisk looking at him. "We don't want to go the other way. We'll arrive right on the doorstep of that annoying village." Mettaton's lights dimmed with displeasure. Frisk squirmed in his grasp.
"Ah ah ah~" Mettaton wiggled his finger at Frisk, "I'm not letting you go. You're my ticket to higher ratings!"
Frisk's few interactions with Mettaton before gave them zero understanding of the robot. He'd popped in to declare how evil they were-which nearly every monster had done- and then challenged them to what Frisk thought would have been an epic battle. Frisk remembered the sickening fear of seeing Mettaton's battle form, however-the robot bragged on and on about his superior powers but with one hit from Frisk he went down easily.
Now it was only the memory of their relief at Mettaton's demise that gave Frisk a sickening feeling.
Otherwise they knew almost nothing about the robot. There were posters of him plastered all around the Underground; he was some sort of television star? But at least Frisk wasn't scared of him. Rather, they were more annoyed than anything else, annoyed and worried about Undyne.
Alphys is still with her. She'll take care of Undyne, Frisk thought.
Alphys can barely take care of herself, a traitorous voice in the back of Frisk's mind said.
That's not true! She evacuated monsters to protect them from me, Frisk thought back fiercely.
And she also completely lost it for no reason. Face it, that lizard has issues.
And so do I! Frisk glared down at the ground. Small patches of glowing grass and little blue mushrooms danced past as Mettaton moved them through Waterfall. The cruel voice in Frisk's head fell silent, leaving Frisk sulky and angry.
Undyne's house was closer to the end of Waterfall than Frisk originally thought. Soon the grass and water gave way to solid rock, and then a harsh and hot wind hit Frisk in the face. The cool air of Waterfall was gone, replaced by dryness that soon left Frisk thirsty.
Hotland wasn't nearly as pretty as Waterfall had been. Frisk soon got bored of watching the orange and brown rock formations around them. The lava beneath the bridges they crossed over was slightly more interesting, especially when Mettaton wheeled over it so fast Frisk clung tightly to his arm-incredibly nervous about being dropped.
"Hey, Mettaton!" Two knights dressed in black armor similar to Undyne's called out. They were standing in front of their path.
"Hello my dear fans! Sorry, no time to stop for an autograph now!" Mettaton chirped, "Oh, who am I kidding? There's always time for autographs! Here, let me borrow this," Mettaton grabbed Frisk's notebook and pencil. "Who shall I make it out to?" He asked, pencil poised at the ready.
"Oh, um, no we don't-well, actually could you make it out to RG 01? And RG 02?" The first guard asked hesitantly.
"Of course!" Mettaton signed the autographs with a flourish and pulled out the pieces of paper to hand to the guards; he handed the notebook back to Frisk, "Now, if you'll excuse me-"
The second guard held out his spear, blocking their way. The first guard jumped guiltily and stuffed both pieces of paper into his armor. "Sorry Mettaton, we actually wanted to ask you something."
"If it's about my newest show I can't reveal anything!" Mettaton said.
"No…it's not about that." RG 02 said slowly.
"You just came from Waterfall, right?" RG 01 asked politely, "We were wondering if you saw Undyne? She's supposed to be coming here with an actual human! But she's a little late…"
"Undyne? Hmmm, I believe I last saw her taking a nap on her couch. You Royal Guard work so hard!" Mettaton's grid lit up and flashed, "I'm sure she'll be by soon!"
"That's odd, she's usually so punctual…and she never sleeps on the job." RG 01 said.
"Well capturing humans is difficult work, is it not? I think she deserves a break." Mettaton said defensively.
"No-I mean yes of course she does!" RG 01 sounded flustered.
"If you are quite done interrogating me, I must be on my way. Stars, like Royal Guardsmen, are always busy!" Mettaton shooed at the two guards. They stood guiltily aside and Mettaton quickly moved past them.
Frisk hadn't noticed with their attention on the guards, but almost right behind them a large white building with the word LAB written over it loomed ahead. Mettaton entered the sliding door and, finally, placed Frisk down.
A soft whirring sound filled the laboratory. The lights were dimmed slightly, but Frisk needed to squint a bit as they looked at the large, bright screen in front of them. On the screen was their face, squinting back at them.
Alphys did mention she was watching me, Frisk grimaced. It was uncomfortable knowing someone had been watching them this entire time, and seeing the screen just made it worse.
"I do wish Alphys would get a better monitor. This one is so old and ugly," Mettaton commented, noticing Frisk's attention on the screen.
'Is there a way to turn it off?' Frisk wrote.
"Turn it off? Why? Don't you love seeing your face on the big screen?" Mettaton asked.
Mettaton sighed when Frisk went back to writing in their notebook. "Can't you just say it?" He asked. Frisk glared and continued writing. If there was anyone who could understand why they had trouble speaking out loud it certainly wouldn't be Mettaton. The entire way from Undyne's house Mettaton chattered even though Frisk never answered him. His favorite topic was himself. If Frisk had known almost nothing about the robot before they certainly knew almost everything about him now; Mettaton's favorite shows about himself, his love for the hotel he owned, his least favorite employee (a poor guy named Burgerpants-seriously, who named their child that?), Mettaton's this, Mettaton's that. Ugh, Frisk wanted to yank their ears off by the end of it.
Frisk showed Mettaton their writing, 'No. I want it off.' Frisk insisted. Mettaton shrugged in confusion but did as Frisk asked and pulled the plug on the monitor. The screen went black and Frisk sighed in relief.
Now. It was time to move onto more important things.
'Why am I here?' Frisk wrote underneath their previous words.
"It's quite a long story little human! I won't bore you with the small details!" Mettaton said, "Why don't we just head over to the basement and use that key Alphys gave you? Hmmm?"
Frisk rolled their eyes and pointed at their question again.
Mettaton deflated and crossed him arms. "It's for the ratings silly! Having a human on my show will push us to the top!"
As Mettaton was the only star of the Underground technically he was already the top but Frisk chose not to mention that and instead focused on one more thing.
'Don't you want to kill me?' Frisk wrote.
Mettaton nodded, which involved moving his entire square body in a slight downward motion. "Killing you and taking your soul to cross the barrier alone was my original plan. After all, there's an entire world of humans out there who just don't know what they're missing! But I've been keeping up with the polls and your popularity in the Underground is just soaring! If I killed you now I would alienate my most important fans!"
That was…not what Frisk thought he would say.
"Plus, this is so much more interesting! I've been wondering what Alphys keeps in the basement forever. We can swing it as a spooky mystery, or maybe an investigative documentary. I guess it depends on what's down there." Mettaton said. "And, if it doesn't work out I can always try killing you later on. Fame doesn't last forever darling, your popularity might be high now but it's sure to drop sometime."
This is just a waste of time, Frisk started walking away from Mettaton. He only wanted their soul for himself; or he was just going to film a stupid TV show. Frisk didn't want to help Mettaton with either of his goals.
Frisk was torn between going back to Undyne to make sure she was alright and heading off to meet with Asgore alone. Frisk tried to reason out one or the other, but before they could make a decision they were being pulled back to Mettaton.
Curse his mechanical arms! Frisk dragged their feet on the ground. Mettaton could pull them back but Frisk wasn't going to make it easy.
"Look kid, this thing isn't happening without you and I'm not giving you an option here. We're investigating that basement whether you like it or not." Mettaton held Frisk in the air and took the key from their hand. Frisk attempted a hearty kick at Mettaton's head but missed when Mettaton pulled back.
"Now, let's see what's down there, shall we?" Mettaton asked cheerfully.