SPOILER WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED THE GAME YET, PLEASE DO!

OTHERWISE THIS WILL MAKE NO SENSE OR RUIN PARTS OF THE GAME YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN TO YET.

SO PLEASE, GO PLAY IT, SERIOUSLY!

...

WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?

YOU BETTER HAVE PLAYED THE GAME BY NOW.

I WANT NO RESPONSIBILITY OVER SPOILING THINGS FOR OTHERS.


Well that side quest was a big waste of time.

Located north of the three-way intersection in Waterfall where we met Shyren, there's a piano and a spot where a door would be.

According to Papyrus, this is a puzzle that was built by Undyne, and Sans quipped it as an excuse to place a piano so she could give Shyren lessons.

I forgot she liked to tickle the ivories and has a piano in her home.

The wall plaque by the door said...

[A haunting song echoes down the corridor...Won't you play along? Only the first 8 are fine.]

So we followed the corridor that we were going to go down and found a statue that was being rained on.

Toriel mentioned that this statue was also a music box so we put two and two together that we need to hear the song.

Due to the next area being rainy, there's a bin of very handy umbrellas.

We use one to cover the statue and doing so let it play its song for all to hear.

Funny thing is...the song sounds oddly familiar.

Like it's something I grew up with, a lullaby perhaps?

Either way, we returned the piano and played the notes on the keys.

This caused an opening to form that allowed us into a hidden room.

In this room was a red orb of some kind that was called a 'legendary artifact' on the pedestal plaque.

However, when we tried to take the orb, a certain little white dog ran up from out of nowhere and took off with it, prompting Papyrus to chase after said annoying dog to no avail.

All that remained now was some dog residue and a feeling that we wasted time for jack squat.

Though there was one bit of good, as when Papyrus came back from the chase he returned with Toriel's cell phone...the dog took it a couple days ago.

But with this out of the way, we return to our journey, and of course reading the many wall plaques.

There are 2 leading up the the music box statue, the first said...

[This power has no counter. Indeed, a human cannot take a monster's SOUL. When a monster dies, its SOUL disappears. And an incredible power would be needed to take the SOUL of a living monster.]

And the second one said...

[There is only one exception. The SOUL of a special species of monster called a 'Boss Monster'. A Boss Monster's SOUL is strong enough to persist after death...If only for a few moments. A human could absorb this SOUL. But this has never happened. And now it never will.]

That makes me think...If a monster that absorbs a human soul becomes a 'horrible beast with unfathomable power'...What would a human that absorbs a monster soul become?

A bit of a scary thought really.

One that lingers in my mind as we take up umbrellas for ourselves and stroll through the rain, splashing in puddles along the way.

Another question that comes to my mind is...how the heck is it raining underground?

Magic...it answers everything doesn't it.

But when we pass into this craggy opening, I'm a bit taken back by what we see on the other side.

It's a straight path, but one that has a clear view of the Capital, and the highlight of it all, the Royal Palace.

By the looks of it, it's most definitely a castle of European design, something Disney would use for its princess stereotype junk.

"So...That's our destination."

"Yes my child. That is New Home."

"asgore sure knows how to name things."

"I LIKE IT. IT'S EASY TO REMEMBER."

"that's true."

"How about Fluffybuns manor?"

"*giggles* You are just too adorable sometimes."

"THAT IS VERY TRUE."

We continue on into another craggy opening.

It's raining again but there's a bin to put the umbrellas back in.

Only now we have a real obstacle...we can't proceed.

The way continues only if we can climb up this ledge but it's too steep to really do it.

Papyrus offers to lift us up one by one, but Sans makes that idea fall flat when he makes steps out of bones...rather clever yet it left Papyrus feeling down, so to cheer him up I let him carry me up the steps.

It was a normal yet sweet moment till Sans makes a wedding comment of 'carrying the bride over the threshold' and Toriel nearly has a cow from it.

Oddly enough the rain stops once we're up here and there are 2 more wall plaques.

The first says...

[The humans, afraid of our power, declared war on us. They attacked suddenly, and without mercy.]

The second says..

[In the end, it could hardly be called a war. United, the humans were too powerful, and us monsters, too weak. Not a single SOUL was taken, and countless monsters were turned to dust...]

Pointless.

Utterly pointless and stupid were the humans of old.

Not like this generation is any better.

God, why is it so hard to follow the one rule every religion preaches about?

Why can't we all just get along?

Why is that so damn hard to do?

"you okay?"

"Huh?"

"you were glaring at the plaque."

"Oh...Guess I was just lost in my thoughts on this. If only there was a way to undo the war. Like the ultimate reset of all resets. *sighs* But that is but a dream. And dream is something I don't do anymore. Kinda funny, isn't it?"

Sans looks at me with concern and holds my hand.

"sweetheart...has you know who been chatting up your head again with bad thoughts?"

"No...Not today at least. From what I can figure, each time I enter Anomaly State, it negates his ability to manifest. Forcing him to recover power over time. Last I spoke with my demon brother was the night before last."

"what happened?"

"It was alright for the most point. He's relatively tame so long as I can make him laugh."

"the kid likes jokes?"

"Dark humor, but yes."

"you think too much on things like this. just let those thoughts fade away. this is a good day. good things are happening. and i won't let the past make your smile fall for a moment. now come on...knock-knock."

I smirk.

"Who's there?"

"woo."

"Woo who?"

"don't get too excited, it's just a knock-knock joke."

I snicker and he perks up.

"there we go. that's a much better look on you. now let's get going. we can't keep your old man waiting forever you know."

"Yeah...Yeah, you're right. We're almost there, it would be lame to doddle this long when so close."

"SANS! I FOUND THE STAIRS!"

"good job bro."

Continuing ahead there are many twisting boardwalk paths that are leveled over each other, not really sure where they lead to, mainly because we take a staircase on the side of the peak we stand on and make our way downward into the dump.

Boy they weren't kidding when they said tons of human stuff ended up down here, sure most is junk, but there are quite a few brands I recognize.

"So gentlemen, how close are we to Hotland from here?"

"WELL...OUTSIDE HERE IS UNDYNE HOUSE AND THE RESIDENCE OF THE GHOSTS. SO NOT THAT FAR REALLY."

"Really? Cool! Maybe Blooky will join us."

"hey, check this out."

"What is that?"

"It's a anime DVD. And by the looks of those desperate claw marks on the edges, I'd say Alphys had it for a bit."

"THERE'S A COMPUTER OVER HERE. BUT IT'S EMPTY ON THE INSIDE."

"she probably used it for parts and stuff."

"Oh! Look! I found snacks in this box."

"It's a cooler. It's used to preserve food or drink from the outside temperatures. It looks to be in great shape too. Maybe it got lost from it's owners."

"freeze-dried space food bars. huh...never had astronaut food before."

"AT LEAST WE HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT ALONG THE WAY. HONSTLY, THE SMELL OF THOSE PIES WAS MAKING ME HUNGRY."

"Awww...Papy you're adorable."

We exit the dump and enter into the next familiar area.

"Oh! That reminds me, what did you do when you disappeared after Undyne, Sans?"

"oh that? well..."

"BROTHER. WHAT DID YOU DO?"

Sans merely smiles.

"i just gave her some friendly advice is all."

"What did you say to her?"

For a brief moment, there's a sinister gleam in that charming smile of his, but it's not there long enough to be picked up by others.

"i told her that if she wanted to keep her job, she'd best leave you alone. it's not a wise move to beat on the boss's kid."

"Here's hoping she took your words to heart."

We take our leave of the dump and wander to Blook Acres, completely unaware of the complete wreck that was currently Undyne's home.

[What really happened]

After the fight, Undyne ran for her life.

Lord knows what beat down the enraged Queen was going to give her, but a safe bet would mean it be incredibly painful, so yeah, avoiding that was top priority.

And she ran.

She ran so far away.

She just ran.

She could've ran all night and day.

But she couldn't get away.

Not from the target marked on her.

She made it back to her home, locked the doors, and pretty much barricaded herself inside.

No way was anyone getting in...well...almost anyone.

"Okay...That's the door and window covered. Now all I have to do is wait till they've calmed down. Then, when all is good, I can go out and beg the Queen not to gut me into sushi."

[knock, knock]

The unexpected sound made her jump and spear the front door in fright.

"Uh...Oops? You okay out there?"

No response.

"Hello?"

[knock, knock]

That wasn't coming from the front door.

Now she was on alert.

"Okay...Who ever you are, you're messing with the wrong person. For I am Undyne! Spear of Justice!"

[knock, knock]

She speared the piano.

[knock, knock]

She speared the window.

[knock, knock]

She speared the fridge.

[knock, knock]

She speared just about everything she saw and the very walls around her, but still...

[knock, knock]

"NGAHHHHHHHH! SHOW YOURSELF YOU COWARD!"

[knock, knock]

That knock was eerily close.

In fact...This was coming from her bedroom door.

"Oooh, now you're in REAL trouble punk!"

She gripped the knob but it wouldn't turn in her grasp.

"The fu...Hey! Open this door!"

[knock, knock]

"Damn it! Quit knocking and open this fucking door! Last warning!"

[knock, knock]

In fed up rage, she plunged her spear into the door as far as she'd make it go, jabbing it around a bit and then tearing it out with a good chunk of door along with it.

Cautiously, she peered inside the hole, looking for whoever was toying with her.

But the only thing she did see made her blood run cold.

There cloaked in darkness, a lone glowing eye flashed hauntingly, illuminating the smiling skull it was housed in like it was the face of death itself.

"S-sans? Is t-that you?"

The skeleton in question didn't respond.

He just stood there, unmoving, unblinking, unnerving as all hell.

"Okay Sans, the joke's on me. My house is in shambles and it's all my fault. Really funny. Now get out of my room."

Still he was unresponsive.

"Sans. Come on now. Open the door."

"knock-knock."

Even his voice was bone chilling, taking on a deep dark tone.

"Sans..."

"knock-knock."

Was he really doing all this for a joke?

"Um...Who's there?"

His grin widened.

"buster."

A chill ran up her back.

"B-buster who?"

She blinked and he was gone.

Confused, she turned around, only to be pinned to the down by blue magic and bones, with Sans in her face.

If looks alone could kill, Undyne would be dead multiple times over.

"if i ever find out that you hurt my sweetheart again...i'm gonna to do more than buster home. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

If there was any thoughts in Undyne's mind about countering this, be it with words or an attack, they were gone before they could form.

All she mustered up was the ability to nod.

"good..."

With that, the bones and magic disappeared, letting her fall to her butt as her quaking knees refused to support her up.

"i'm glad we could have this chat undyne. you know, a lot of unnecessary conflict can be easily avoided if you just stop to talk every once in a while. after all...we are monsters."

He gave her one more menacing look.

"it's not in us to be violent!"

The he reverted to his normal more happy go lucky self.

"so i'll see ya later then. hope to see you at asgore's place. not really sure why, but i know lynn still wants you to be there when she meets the old man...plus i'm betting he'd love to hear about this in your progress report. how you attacked his kid. and in front of his wife no less."

A small light went off in her mind.

"Are you...Blackmailing me?"

"blackmail? no. that would be low. and i'm a skeleton with some very high standards. but you...you are the captain of the royal guard. you have a duty to uphold the truth and justice, to set a good example for the kids. you attacked and tried to kill an innocent girl all for the sake of your damn pride. now tell me...does that sound like something a hero would do? something a person of justice would do?"

She hung her head low.

"No...God, I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet."

"you know what you have to do to make this right."

She sighs and runs her hand over her face.

"Yeah. I do."

"then we'll see you at asgore's?"

"Yes. Just...Give me some time to collect myself. Heh, if you couldn't tell, you spooked me pretty hard."

He merely shrugged with a sly laugh.

"i may be lazy, but i don't hold back when someone goes after the people i care about."

She mentally was beating herself.

"Sans...I'm sorry. I know it isn't much..."

"save it. i'm not the one you need to apologize to. as far as you and me are concerned, i'm all good if lynn says she's cool with you. but consider this your first and only warning...laters."

He gives her a weak salute before vanishing from her home entirely.

Once Sans was gone and everything settled down, Undyen looked gathered herself before looking around at the disaster that was now her home.

"Amazing...He managed to do all this with a knock-knock joke. I'm the Captain of the Royal Guard, second strongest to Asgore himself, yet in one day I'm beaten by a human that holds back her full strength and a wisecracking skeleton that I use as a simple sentry. *depressing sigh* Maybe he's right. Maybe it's time the Royal Guard got a new leader. I never understood why Gerson stepped down as captain even while he had good years left in him. But now...now I see why. New blood. New perspectives. Maybe I was wrong...Maybe Papyrus is cut out for Royal Guard after all."

[Meanwhile in present time]

We show up on the doorstep of the blue house and I text a quick message.

"Hey Blooky-boo. Guess who's at your door?"

No sooner do I hit send does his door fly open.

"Lynsie!"

Never did I think a ghost would ever glomp me, but I welcome it as well as recommend it so long as the ghost is cool with you.

"*giggles* Awww...I missed you too sweety. Even if it's only been, what, a day or two?"

"Lynsie! Guess what happened the other day."

"Hmmm...It rained pudding?"

That got quite a few laughs.

"*snickering* No...Mettaton was here!"

As good as that sounded to him, it made me a bit nervous.

"Is he still here?"

"No. He left earlier today. But he did get to see our other cousins."

Saved by luck and timing.

"I'm happy to hear he's living up to his promise. Oh! Where are my manners..."

I take hold of Sans and Papyrus's hands.

"Meet punmaster247 and COOLSKELETON95. Better known as Sans and Papyrus."

"sup."

"GREETINGS NAPSTABLOOK22."

"And of course you know my mother Toriel."

"It's good to see you again Napstablook."

As much as I've tried to help him with his shyness, seeing so many people, even if it's a small group, has Napstablook blushing and looking at the ground.

"O-oh...nice to meet y-you."

"heh. a ghost that's spooked by other rather than spooking others themselves. that's new."

"Be nice. Blooky is just shy. It's what makes him adorable."

That made the timid ghost smile.

"NO NEED TO BE SHY NAPSTABLOOK. FOR I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, SHALL BE YOUR FRIEND. I WOULD MAKE YOU MY BEST FRIEND, BUT THAT SPOT IS CURRENTLY TAKEN. SO I SHALL MAKE YOU MY BEST GHOST FRIEND!"

"R-really?"

"OF COURSE."

"...I...I'd like that..."

"YAY! A NEW FRIEND FOR THE GREAT PAPYRUS!"

"So Blooky. We're headed to the Capital to meet Asgore. And I was just wondering if you'd like to come along with us?"

"You...You sure you really want me to go with you? I d-don't want to bother anyone."

"Sweety, you know that's not true."

"Please come along with us Napstablook. You always seem so lonely. We only wish to see you happy."

"but if you need more convincing, if you come with you get to hang out with lynn more."

That one point sealed the deal for Napstablook.

"Sure! I-i mean...Y-yes. I'll join you."

Oh Napstablook...You're so cute it's almost sinful.

"Sweet. The more the merrier."

"Let us be on our way then."

We make our way out of Blook Acres and into the next area where Gerson has set up shop, but knowing who works across from him, this has me pause.

"HUMAN? IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT?"

"Yes. I just...Sans, come with me for a moment."

This makes the group confused.

"uh, sure. can i ask why though?"

"So that no one grows in concern over this."

I walk without further say and Sans is quick to follow.

"sweetheart?"

"Stay close and let me deal with them."

"who?"

I stop at the shore with my arms behind my back in a professional manner and he takes the hint, Gaster is at the helm of control right now as a all to familiar boat comes drifting along the gentle current of the river.

"Tra la la. I love to ride in my boat. Would you care to join me?"

"On the contrary. It is I that would like you to join me."

Riverperson takes a moment to process what I said and my appearance before chuckling.

"I see you're eyes are open now Anomaly. Tell me...What do you see?"

"I see a piece that is needed to make someone whole again. Am I right, missing SOUL?"

If the Riverperson is capable of smiling, I get the feeling that it is.

"I see...Well done little one. You saw past the ripples on the surface to see what lies beneath. Bravo."

I can't help the smirk I get.

My theory was right.

"so you really are a part of gaster? why not tell me or alphys? we could've helped you."

"It would've been pointless. Without a means to reach all the parts, telling others would just bring about false hope."

"but what about the..."

It lifts its hand up in protest.

"I know of the machine Sans. Try as you might, it will never be fixed. It's broken beyond repair."

"no, it's not! i just needed to work more on it."

"You'd only be wasting your time. And don't you think enough time has been wasted in our lives?"

Sans sighs.

"The reason I only spoke out to her is because of what I saw. This river does more than let me ferry others from place to place. I use it to see the flow of events of what is to come."

"That is why you only spoke in riddle like hints to Frisk...Beware of the man who speaks in hands. Beware of the man who came from the other world...You were testing the child in hopes the events would change."

"Yes, and sadly, that was not the case. Frisk never changed the events. She merely relieved them slightly altered. But then you appeared, little one. You made the water go from wild to calm. The events changed and I took a chance to help lead you on the right path. And I'm delighted to say, my faith in you was sound."

"so what does this mean now? a happy ending?"

"That...I can't say."

"what do you mean, you can't say?"

"It doesn't know. You've seen just so far ahead that things look positive enough to have hope. But the water doesn't show you the end. After all, you aren't GOD. You know not the beginning or the end. Just the middle that leads up to things."

"Correct."

"geez. all this stuff can really work up migraine."

"Try being stuck in constant thought because it's all your able to do as you watch the lives of your family and friends go on without you. Everything functions perfectly without you...Making you feel like your life was meaningless."

Wow...Well that was depressing as hell.

But it is the truth.

I know, but that was then and this is now...You're not alone anymore Gaster.

...Thank you.

Suddenly I feel a hand take of my own and see Sans smile up at me.

"bro, nothing was right with you gone. to have these jumbled memories and not know exactly who, why, or what they were there for. to feel like something important was missing but know why. to have photographs that say family but not know who that person is. that was a special hell i went through. and one i don't want to put pap through again."

Papyrus...

He needs you, Sans has done well in your place, but even there are limits to what he can do.

You...You're right...My life wasn't meaningless, it still has purpose.

"I won't let that happen. I will not see my family suffer anymore. We've lost too much as it is."

"that's the spirit. never say die."

I look to the Riverperson and offer them my other hand.

"Come with me, my SOUL. Let us merge into one once more and set things right."

Surprisingly, it shakes its head no much to our puzzlement.

"I can not. At least, not yet. I still have others to help ride these waters. But when the time comes, I will be there."

I simply nod.

"Understood. Till then, you know where we shall be."

"Then I shall see you again another time. Tra la la."

With that, the Riverperson's boat returns to going with the flow and heads towards Snowdin, leaving us standing there at the shore.

"are you sure it was wise to let the soul go?"

"They'll meet us at Asgore's when the time is right. If anything in this world knows when to appear when needed, it is the Riverperson."

"if you trust them, i guess i'll do the same. though might i ask one thing?"

"Go ahead."

"what's gonna happen after, you know, we do all this?"

"What do you mean?"

"well, things usually end up ending in one of three ways depending on what frisk did before resetting. one, everyone died. two, they'd kill asgore and go into the barrier, leaving us trapped. or three, we'd all be freed and get to the surface. i'm just a little curious as to how you are gonna make it different."

"Well, for one, I'm not going to reset when done. That would be the ultimate back stab. No...I intend to make things right. The barrier will be no more and we shall get out of this place if that is what is wanted."

"what do you mean?"

"I wasn't lying when I first told you we were better off down here. I want to give monsters the chance to live out there. But humans are chaotic. Attacking first and then asking questions later. Humanity may have lost its magic, but the technology that has taken its place is just as dangerous. I will do what I can to keep peace, but I know not how long that will last in the end."

"hey, if anyone would make a great ambassador for monster kind, it's you sweetheart."

"I shall try in the very least."

"that's all we can ask for. now let's get back to the others. you know how your mom worries. oh! and pap said he found a song for you to sing."

"Did he now? Then let's not keep them waiting."

He keeps hold on my hand and leads us back to the group.

After a little chat of reassurance, we start moving again, and find three more wall plaques too.

The first plaque says...

[Hurt, beaten, and fearful for our lives, we surrendered to the humans. Seven of their greatest magicians sealed us underground with a magic spell. Anything can enter through the seal, but only beings with a powerful SOUL can leave.]

It's only poetic that humanity would later forget how to use magic.

Now the only magic humans do are slight of hand and illusion tricks.

Quite pathetic really.

The second plaque says...

[There is only one way to reverse this spell. If a huge power, equivalent to seven human SOULs, attacks the barrier...It will be destroyed.]

And somehow Frisk manages to pull this off?

That fact pisses me off.

And the third plaque says...

[But this cursed place has no entrances or exits. There is no way a human could come here. We will remain trapped down here forever.]

Not on my watch!

You really are determined to help us.

Of course I am, what humanity did was wrong, I just want to prove that not all hope is lost and that even in the darkest of darkness a light still shines.

You really are something else...It's actually refreshing.

"HUMAN, HERE IS YOUR MUSIC THING."

"Oh, thank you sweety."

"I THINK YOU'LL LIKE THE SONG I PICKED. IT SOUNDED CUTE."

"Let me see...The Goo Goo Dolls. Excellent choice."

He smiles proudly and I start up the song as we enter the dimly lit maze area that I recall hating a lot.

" I'll be kind, if you'll be faithful. You be sweet and I'll be grateful. Cover me with kisses dear. Lighten up the atmosphere. Keep me warm inside our bed. I got dreams of you all through my head. Fortune teller said I'd be free. And that's the day you came to me...Came to me...Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo, Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo...Come to me my sweetest friend. Can you feel my heart again. I'll take you back where you belong. And this will be our favorite song. Come to me with secrets bare. I'll love you more so don't be scared. When we're old and near the end. We'll go home and start again...Ooo Ooo Oooo, Ooo Ooo Oooo... "

I'm about to continue when Sans takes the player from me and does it for me.

" i caught you burnin' photographs. like that could save you from your past. history is like gravity. it holds you down away from me. you and me, we've both got sins. and i don't care about where you've been. don't be sad and don't explain. this is where we start again...start again...doo doo doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo...come to me my sweetest friend. can you feel my heart again. i'll take you back where you belong. and this will be our favorite song. come to me with secrets bare. i'll love you more so don't be scared. when we're old and near the end. we'll go home and start again...start again...doo doo doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo... "

Just as Sans had done to me Papyrus takes the player back then follows the trend.

" TODAY'S THE DAY I'LL MAKE YOU MINE. SO GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME. TAKE MY HAND IN THIS EMPTY ROOM. YOU'RE MY GIRL, AND I'M YOUR GROOM. COME TO ME MY SWEETEST FRIEND. THIS IS WHERE WE START AGAIN...AGAIN...COME TO ME MY SWEETEST FRIEND. CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART AGAIN. TAKE YOU BACK WHERE YOU BELONG. THIS WILL BE OUR FAVORITE SONG. COME TO ME WITH SECRETS BARE. I'LL LOVE YOU MORE SO DON'T BE SCARED. WHEN WE'RE OLD AND NEAR THE END. WE'LL GO HOME AND START AGAIN! (YEAH) START AGAIN! (YEAH) DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO, DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO. "

I'm a bit taken by how they have such feeling in their renditions, they had me blushing without even knowing it, if it wasn't for Toriel nearly wigging out again over the marriage lyrics, honestly she has to get over that as it might happen someday, I might have thrown myself at them to shower them with kisses...or miss the random wall plaque.

[Without candles or magic to guide them Home, the monsters used crystals to navigate.]

Thankfully once she calmed down, Toriel provided all the light we needed to make our way out of this place.

Back on a path not made of lightly glowing grass, we find some Echo Flowers along our walk, and unlike last time, my curiosity is interested in these things.

[You hear a passing conversation.]

[So? Don't you have any wishes to make?]

[...hmmm, just one, but...It's kind of stupid.]

[Don't say that! Come on, I promise I won't laugh.]

[...hmmm...if I say my wish...You promise you won't laugh at me?]

[Of course I won't laugh!]

[Someday, I'd like to climb this mountain we're all buried under. Standing under the sky, looking at the world all around...That's my wish.]

[You hear laughter.]

[...hey, you said you wouldn't laugh at it!]

[Sorry, it's just funny...That's my wish, too.]

Awww...that was sweet.

I wonder who they are...I hope I can help make their wish come true.

And at the end where the last flower stands, the final wall plaque tells it's story before we leave Waterfall.

[However...There is a prophecy. The Angel...The One Who Has Seen The Surface...They will return. And the underground will go empty.]

I'm glad I didn't read these my first time through here, it would've been backwards and confusing as hell.

But we carry on.

Over a small bridge, past the old goomba looking monster, into craggy opening that leads to the pass that provides crossing over the river, and there at last after a nice stroll we see it.

[WELCOME TO HOTLAND!]

Continuing onward, we cross the bridge and makes it to the door of the Laboratory.

[Knock-knock]

"H-hello? Who's there?"

Really?

She set it, I have to do the joke.

"Opportunity."

"O-opportunity? Who?"

"Don't be silly. Opportunity doesn't knock twice! So open up already."

Sans and Toriel snicker while Papyrus groans and Napstablook just looks confused as the door open.

When she looks at us a gasp escapes her, a look of recognition flashes in her eyes for a second before doing a double take that makes her sigh with relife.

From that reaction you would think she saw a ghost.

Well Napstablook is with us.

That wasn't what I was referring to.

I know, I just wanted to be silly about it.

Is it possible that even while fused, my presence can be felt by those that remember me even in the slightest of ways?

There's a chance that could be the case, after all, nothing is impossible as we first think, I mean, humanity only recently proved an 80 year old theory to be real by creating matter from light energy, I believe anything to be real at this point.

That is true, and also proves a lot of theories of physics in general.

"H-human...I wasn't e-expecting you to stop by. Or with company."

"We're making our way to the Capital to meet with Asgore. But a few, minor issues as it were, have brought us here in need of your assistance."

"O-oh? W-what can do?"

I make my soul come out, it glitches and flickers in color, making the crack more apparent.

"This is in need of repair and you have to tools needed to do so. I know you do."

She adjusts her glasses as she takes a look.

"Oh my...Y-yes! Please come in."

She ushers us inside.

After making the others comfortable, she pulls me and Sans aside to head down to the True Lab.

It is here that the healing of soul will transpire.

"I s-should still have the documents on h-how to do this."

"You do. You didn't throw away anything of mine."

"Yours?"

"don't freak out or anything, but lynn here kinda fused with gaster to get him out of the void."

"What?!"

"I do believe he said not to freak out."

"H-how? You mean, you actually found him?!"

"I recall telling you the last time I was here that I knew the man. I know many things. Even more now that we are one in the same. Sans can fill you in on the details while we proceed. But first things first. My soul can not continue to be in this damaged condition."

"H-how did it crack in the first place?"

"let's just say, your girlfriend really did a number on my own and leave it at that for now."

"U-undyne? I...I had no idea. I'm sorry she...Is she...?"

"she's fine. she'll probably arrive here at some point."

"O-oh...okay..."

We head not that far in, just to the first room with the examination tables.

It doesn't take much to find what we are looking for in the 2 low level cabinets.

If anything Gaster, you certainly are organized in your work notes.

Thank you, I keep to a very simple and brilliant system that makes finding things easy.

A very handy thing indeed.

"hmmm...this seems simple enough. might take an hour or two to fully heal, but your soul should be good as new sweetheart."

"Thanks sweety. But time is not an issue right now. My main concern is getting this taken care of."

I dust off one of the tables and lay down, presenting my soul for examination before processing to operating.

"I-is there anything else other than the soul crack t-that we need to look at?"

"X-rays would be welcomed if you may be so kind."

"she's had some broken bones recently. it would safe to check if everything's healing without complications."

"Y-yes! We can do that after. I-i'm not really sure if x-rays can effect an exposed soul, so, l-let's not risk it."

"They don't. But you may do as you wish."

I don't even want to know how you know that Gaster.

Experimentation little one, I'll leave it at that.

...You did some messed up stuff, didn't you?

I did what I had to for the betterment of monsters, I don't regret my actions.

Fair enough, I'd probably had done the same if in your position.

Thank you for understanding.

"O-okay Lynsie, uh, Gaster...What do you call yourself now?"

"We still go by our normal names."

"you can usually tell which your talking to by their speech pattern. for example, say your greeting."

"Howdy."

"lynsie is at the helm of control right now. which is good since it's her soul we're working on."

"A-alright, I think I get it now. So...Lynsie...are you ready?"

"I am. Will I need to be under sedation?"

"At the start, yes. B-but it's mostly to help you heal as you sleep."

"Very well...You may proceed."

"so look over here for a second."

"Why? Ow!"

The distraction gave Alphys the chance to prick my arm with a syringe and inject me with the sedative.

Slowly it takes effect, my mind shuts down as my eyes flutter to a close, and in minutes...I'm out cold.