Chapter 36: Perseverant Soul

Author's Note: And so we reach the "adaptation" part of this adaptation. I had a lot of fun writing Abigail's journal!

"I have arrived at the base of Mount Ebott after twenty-five days and nights of travel from across the kingdom. At long last, I may unravel the mysteries surrounding this place. With the knowledge I obtain, all of mankind will read my book and know of the woman who braved this 'cursed' place. My provisions are well-stocked, and my courage is high. What may stop me now?"

"It's been nearly twelve hours of climbing, and this mountain has so far proved an insignificant challenge. Has no one else thought to investigate…"

"Tonight, an unusual stillness hangs in the air. Mount Ebott provides an excellent view of the night sky, where… to the… echoes… trees whispering in the sudden draft…"

"I must keep moving. The top is in sight."

Quite a few pages were missing.

"…may as well take the time to describe my 'soul,' as it refers to itself. I find it hard to believe that this small, purple heart floating in front of me holds my entire sense of self. It moves with me, and it can identify certain things if I ask it to. This place has a certain magic to it, and I believe my soul's emergence may be a result of exposure to the environment. I wonder if the color purple has any significance for a soul… at any rate, it's my favorite color."

"The monsters here in the Ruins pose little threat to me. Despite their large sizes they die with practically no effort on my part. They turn to dust upon death… and my soul grows stronger. My LOVE has increased from one to five ever since I fell into this place. Curious…"

"I met a large, goatlike creature. She informed me that the monsters here are actually quite harmless. Now I feel guilty for having killed many of them."

"Toriel is a good friend. She is much more knowledgeable than she first seemed, and we've learned quite a lot from each other. I know not why she lives here alone, but she seems too uncomfortable to explain. Regardless, I have a deep respect for her. She reminds me of my mother…"

"According to Toriel, I am the third human to have fallen into Mount Ebott in forty years. The fates of the prior two are unknown to her, but she assumes the worst."

"…symbol on her dress and seen throughout the Ruins. It is a set of three triangles with a winged circle above them. She calls it… -blem of the Monster Kingdom."

"Though it greatly pains me, I must leave the Ruins to seek a way back to the surface. Toriel fretted for my safety, but I assured her that I would take care of myself. Fortunately, we were able to part ways with little drama."

"…forest is a truly mystical place. It's quiet and serene, but admittedly somewhat unsettling at times. I have yet to encounter any monsters here."

A few pages were either missing or too smudged to read.

"Soldiers from this kingdom's 'Royal Guard' are patrolling Snowdin Town… interest of staying unnoticed, I must bypass the town altogether."

"Yesterday I unfortunately lost my reading glasses..."

"This area is known as Waterfall. Briefly studying the terrain has led me to the conclusion that, even without magic, the soil here is impressively fertile. As much as I would like to stay here and document all that I can find, I must not stop for too long… the Royal Guard's captain, Gerson, is searching for me."

"…found Napstablook, that ghost from the Ruins. He lives here in Waterfall with his three cousins, two of which possess training dummies. One is very soft-spoken and tends to be by herself more often than not, the other is constantly loud and aggressive. His third cousin is named… flair for fashion… calls him 'Blooky.' None of the ghosts seem particularly interested in attacking me, not even 'Mad Dummy.'"

"…escaped Gerson once and for all. It seems he cannot stand the heat of the next underground location… he also seems like quite an elderly monster."

"I much prefer the environment of Waterfall to Hotland… the heat is ungodly here, as to be expected, but it also seems much harder to breathe."

"…came across a strange laboratory. Inside, I met Doctor W.D. Gaster, apparently the Royal Scientist. He made no attempts to capture me, being strictly opposed to violence. In fact, he was quite pleased to meet me. Like most other monsters, he's never encountered a human before. Gaster possesses an incredible degree of intelligence as well as great scientific recognition in the kingdom, but seems most proud of his son… -erefore the birth was not natural; a logical explanation… Doctor Gaster has no wife, and is himself a…"

"…Core is still under construction, so I had to find a different way to the capital city. This path was fraught with danger… but no matter the trials, I will persevere in my escape!"

"The exit to Hotland was blocked by a pair of armored Royal Guards. I managed to outwit them by subtly convincing the two to admit their feelings for one another. Said feelings were obvious from the moment I engaged them, and they were so distracted in their confessions that slipped past unnoticed. Those two looked happy with each other… I'm glad I didn't harm them."

"…capital city of 'New Home' is eerily quiet… took the opportunity to read from several monster history books. I learned about the war, and why it was waged… -erestingly, what happened while they were trapped underground… the King's son, Asriel… close friend of a… 'Chara,' her name was… fallen down many years ago. After a sudden illness befell… crossed the Barrier."

Only one page after that was written on, the others having all been lost to time.

"…about to confront the King. When next I write in this, I will be free on the surface! My famous story awaits!"