Ba-dum ba-dum
The elevator dinged when it's metal doors opened. Hotland's heat flowed into the small metal container. The hot rock and heated metal-like smell told your brain that you where able move. Leaving the elevator, you failed to notice that you had dropped your belongings. Your mind in a haze, you couldn't focus on anything.
Ba-dum ba-dum
Step by step, you made your way through Hotland. Through the heat, your body chilled as time went by.
Ba-dum ba-dum
The sound of lava and the mechanical sounds filled your ears. But never reaching far enough for you to register. For all you could hear was your own breath, your own heart. The beating sound in your chest, warning you of some unforseen future. Your own soul had slowly been abandoning you, even so, your own body and mind was still yours.
Ba-dum ba-dum
Your heart pulsed in your ear. Desperately trying to tell you something. But your mind was drawing up blanks.
{Almost there....}
Ba-dum ba-dum
{Soon the monsters will be free from their prison...}
You sharply inhaled and your heart skipped a beat. Barely a second did you falter in your step before continuing. Your legs carrying you to the back stage of Mettaton's theater.
Mettaton stood in the middle of the theater stage while admiring at all his MTT bots as they swarmed the stage. Each one doing their job in getting the performance ready. "M-m-mr. M-m-mettaton...b-boss...sir why am I here exactly?" Squirmed the orange humanoid cat under the metallic arm that held him in place.
"Dear..um...what was your name again deary?"
"P-people call me Burgerpants, sir. B-but my name is really just Whis-"
"Burgerpants! That's right, I knew it was some strange thing or another." The lanky monster let out a sharp yelp as Mettaton's arm pressed his body closer. "Well dear shivering employee, today is your lucky day! You can say a special someone of interest of mine suggested something that might make this performance even greater."
Mettaton snapped his fingers a couple of times, calling forth one of his wardrobe MTT bots. The tiny floating bot whirred to the pair, holding an unusually puffy old timey kind of costume. "Quickly put these on, I want the stage ready for when my darling Frisk comes in."
"You want me to wear this? Why?" He quietly asked as he shrunk down.
Oh no, don't tell me he wants me to try on clothes again! I can't handle another clothing session!!
"Of course darling. How else are you going on stage if your not properly dressed?" He grabbed the outfit and stuffed it into Burgerpants stiff arms.
ON STAGE!!!??
"Don't worry about remembering your lines. It's all written on this scroll." Mettaton grabbed the scroll prop from one of his floating helpers and draped the long paper on top of the sweating monster.
I...I have lines too!!!! I must be dreaming this can't be real!!!!
"You know," the robot dragged the shaking monster towards the back of the stage, "having a human around has proven to be quite entertaining and beneficial for my career. Especially as charming as my little human. When I received a long text after our deparcher, the ideas she had, left me breathless!! One of the things she said was that I should add a narrator, a story teller of some sort to start and end the show!! Can you believe it? Apparently humans do it all the time in their movies and performance!! And not only that but she specifically asked for you!"
WHAT!!? Someone that close to Mettaton knows me!!? ME!!!?
"She didn't tell me how she knows you just that human's (apparently) adores feline. More specifically, those that entertained their viewers with strange antics. So..." The robotic monster shoved the startled cat into the backstage's supply closet, "We begin in a few minutes!! Hurry up now!"
Arms filled with cheap fabric and a long beat up old scroll draped over his head, Burgerpants was left alone in a dark dusty cramped closet. As his eyes adjusted to the sudden change of lighting, he could swear that he misplaced his soul somewhere on stage. Because he couldn't even register what was happening to him at that moment.
So a stranger, no a human who has quickly fell in favor with the only monster star sensation in the UNDERGROUND, had asked for ME and has given me the chance of a life time to making my dreams come true!!!!!?? I...I just can't believe it...I must be dreaming. It's the only thing that makes sense!
Burgerpants stood silent, dumbfounded by what just happened until a broom fell over hitting him on his noggin with it's handle. "Ouch!!!!...ouch? Hah hah...it...hurt..." in a quick burst, the feline monster cheered out with such excitment that he scared off any MTT bots that stood close by. In a hurry he got dressed and started reading the words on the scroll. He was so giddy that his hands shook and blurred the letters. Even as he vibrated harder the longer he held on to the scroll, he was still able to somehow read the words on it. Again and again he read them, being excited couldn't even come close to how he felt.
He shook so much that he busted right out the door. He yelled as he tumbled out of the closet and instead of meeting the much expected wooden floor; he fell into someone's opened arms. Which, said arms, closed around him in an embrace causing his tail to fluff up. A shiver crawled up his spine as a low warning yowl spilled from his mouth. The sound didn't detear the stranger, that he started flailing in a fit of fear. Claws out, Burgerpants arms and legs scrambled to escape. But whoever this stranger was, was much stronger then he was.
I KNEW IT!! IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!! I'm going to die, this is how it's going to end!! I was so close...
Just when he thought he was going to meet an untimely demise, one of the strangers hand started scratching him behind his ear. Soon his efforts weakened as the scratch/petting continued. Losing strength in his limbs, his chest began to vibrate into a purr.
T-that actually feels nice...
With heavy eyes, his body layed limp as the purring continued. "There there, it's okay. I'm not here to hurt you." The voice was so calming that he found himself melting into the embrace. His head rubbed against the stranger's neck as they continued to talk softly to him. Mind fully going blank, he failed to stop himself from licking the stranger's cheek. The stranger giggled before letting him go. He was so shell-shocked that he dumingly stood there with his tongue sticking out. Blinking a couple of times, his fried brain started processing what he was looking at.
A furless monster? I guess not all furless, they have a toff of hair on top of their head? Not that that's unusual, many monster's have hair just on their head. Not just hair but feathers too. JUST NOT COVERED IN SKIN ALONE!! Scales, metal, slime, leather, even rocks if you look hard enough. Poor guy looks like a shaven cat. Been there little buddy, elementary school was hell. WHY WOULD KIDS PUT BAGS ON MY FEET!! Oh well, they seem to rock it well.
"So...who are you exactly, little buddy? I don't think anybody is supposed to be back here." You pulled up a couple of wrinkled up pages that where stapled half haphazardly with the words Mettaton's Opera on it. "Well you look at that? Guess you and I are going to be in the act together. Nice meeting you little buddy. Names Whiskers, but everyone calls me Burgerpants." He chuckled nervously.
"Name's Frisk!" You pulled out your hand out to shake with a large smile on your face. The named seemed familiar to him, but whatever it was left his mind pretty quickly.
Guess they're happy about being in the show too. Yup, little buddy we're on our way.
Returning the handshake, you two found yourselves sitting on the floor with your backs against the wall. You would ask him about varies things about himself, which he answered as best as he could. He was just glad that you didn't call him Burgerpants. He found himself relaxing quite a bit that he started smoking. He wasn't quite sure what you found so interesting about him, but he was happy to obliged. Then his ear twitched suddenly. Looking around, he noticed the MTT bots where finishing up with setting the stage.
"Well Frisk, hate to break this up but I think you better see the boss. Who knows what crazy outfit he has in stores for you. I like you so I'd hate it if the tin man scold you because of me." He helped you up, ruffled your hair and waved goodbye as he walked away. "See you on stage, little buddy." He called out.
Mettaton buzzed around making sure that all his little bots did their jobs right. He wanted everything to be perfect. He had only two more performance, counting the opera, and they both featured a huge upgrade. He'd hate to admit it, but you had him running all over the underground. Sold out audience, new monster appearance on stage with yours truly (per your request) and a whole new look! With your human outlook on the production and his overflowing charisma, the next two performance are going to be the talk of the whole underground. Now all he had to do was find his charming human. He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. Which he never found himself feeling before. Even though it left him excited in some ways, it made him too anxious for his own liking.
Turning around, he spotted you standing with that cute air-headed look. Just your presence lifted away those nervous bugs that found gnawing it's way into his hardrive. It seems that you have been giving him so many thing's to look forward too. Even found things he has never done before. Who knew including other monsters to share in his spotlight felt so...fulfilling? Taking a long look at you, he has found out that you have 100% loaded yourself into his mainframe.
Relieved that you had arrived just in time for your wardrobe change, he dashed towards you, lifting you up from the ground. "Darling Frisk~ I'm so glad you made it! Oh!?" Having you in his hands he got a closer look at your face. Wrapping you with one mechanical arm, he used his free hand to hold your chin; giving him a better look at your face. Something about it lacked the adorableness that always charmed those around you. Something... cold.
Oh darling, what in the world sucked all that warmth out of you?
"Frisk darling, don't you worry. I've had those depressing years. Believe me, they are not glamorous." You gave him a questioning look that sent sparks through his wires. Even when you where out of it, how can you still appear so adorable to him. A soft chuckle left his lips as he stared at your face. Lifting it closer, he let his synthetic lips brush over yours. The action was so out of place that you found your eyes opening wide. The sensation was but a mear second, but it left him in a haze. But when he pulled away, his mind cleared at the sight that awaited him. "My, what beautiful eyes you have." He whispered more to himself. If he needed to breathe he would say that you had stolen it from him. A soft shade of blush spread across your cheeks so beautifully, that he could see that warmth, that spark in you light up. Even if it's only a little bit, it was mesmerizing.
Regrettably he had to let you go, time was running out and having your light back, you where ready for your fitting. Setting you down, he noticed how more tattered your ragged clothes where. "Oh darling, are you sure you don't want a new set of clothes. If you wish to keep your modest look, I can curve my design to your taste." You looked down and saw that he was right. Your encounter with Sans and Whiskers left several large gashes on your outfit.
You looked around, trying to find your sweater that had your things, but they where nowere to be seen. Hand on the hip and the other scratching your head, you laughed embarrassingly. Taking that as a yes, Mettaton snapped his fingers. A couple of bots floated over your head holding up a curtain. While others came bringing random fabric supplies. Mettaton himself grabbed a pair of scissors and delicately began cutting up your new outfit.
While you removed your clothes, you peaked through the small curtain opening and saw the look on Mettaton's face. It was the same soft look he had when he held you earlier. Before you could think of anything to say, he had finished with your outfit. Tossing it over the curtain, you quickly changed into them. With another snap, the curtains flew away and the robotic star stood behind you. You wanted to turn around but he held your head in place.
"Keep still darling while I fix this mess you call hair." Quickly and elegantly, he combed and snipped your hair away. In a few seconds you where done. Your hair was comfortably shorter and your new outfit looked similer to the ones you had before but baggier. It felt nice. "Don't you look like a doll. Just the look of gratitude on your face is thanks enough for me."
Mettaton turned his back towards you and clapped his hands causing the bots to buzz around to position. He then felt your hand on his arm as you turned him around. In one quick motion you wrapped your arms around him, resting your head on his chest. He was shocked at first before returning your embrace. His hand combed through your freshly cut hair before parting away from the tender moment.
"Now darling, there's no time to get so emotional. You have to save it for the show." His hands lingered on your arms a while longer before heading towards his wardrobe.
Ba-dum ba-dum
Hand over your heart, a small warmth lingered and a soft smile spread across your face. Composing yourself, you looked towards the stage and waited for your turn.
Throughout the underground, words spread like wildfire of the new revamped production of Mettaton's Opera. Television programs where plastered with Mettaton's new look and his new co-star. Chatter of the angelic waiter at Grillby's bar only boosted the monster's curiosity to see said human. Buzz of Mettaton sharing the spotlight with a few special monsters even made it to their ears. Monsters scrambled to get a chance to acquire the tickets, some even reserved the secret performance that was scheduled later that day. Those who couldn't get tickets, scrambled in front of their t.v's. But a few lucky monsters didn't have to worry about missing out on the act live on stage.
"WOWIE!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! WE GOT SPECIAL RESERVED FRONT ROW SEATS TO THE METTATON'S OPERA!!"
"that's great bro, but uh...i thought you where having second thoughts about the guy?"
"YES WELL, THAT MAY BE TRUE THAT IN PERSON-"
"Fuhuhu!! When did YOU meet THAT guy!? You hate Hotland even more then I do and I ALMOST DIE everytime I come here!!"
"M-maybe I-I should add more water coolers?"
"Nah don't worry babe, there's no reason for me to come all the way here. Besides the one near your lab is enough."
"O-o-oh!..heh.."
"AHEM!! LIKE I WAS SAYING BEFORE I WAS RUDELY INTERRUPTED BY YOUR CANOODLING! METTATON HIMSELF-"
"just one of his bots."
"WHEN HE CAME TO VISIT ME AT MY HOUSE-"
"i think he was there for Frisk?"
"NYEHHH!!! SANS!"
"what?"
Papyrus glared at his brother next to him before dropping the conversation and huddling himself up in his seat with his arms folded around his legs. Sans patted his brother's arm as he steamed with annoyance. He didn't like the bot that close to you either. Looking around, Sans knew that taking the aisle end seat was a bad idea because he really wanted to walk out of there. The last thing he wanted to do was watch the calculator prance around with you on stage. Undyne was confused on why Papyrus was suddenly in a bad mood since they were all there to see the main guy in the show that was apparently his favorite. Guess she thought wrong so she slung her arm over her friend's shoulder in comfort. Next to her, Alphys hid her face with the pamphlet she received when they entered the theater. Just seeing the bone brother's attitude towards Mettaton had left her fantasizing again.
When the light around the theater dimmed and only the stage lit up, everyone settled as the music started. The music quieted as a gap in the middle of the stage opened up and a monster slowly rose from underneath.
"Both humans and monsters, different from one another.
Discovered that they share one thing that they can never part.
Two souls tangled by the fight of those around them, struggle to be together..."
Even though the monster shivered and sweated underneath the stage lights, he made his way through the prologue. When he thought of cowering down, shrinking away from all the eyes that stared at him; he would glance to his right and find you cheering him on. By the end, all the monsters cheered, bringing tears to the orange monster. Mettaton noticing that Burgerpants has yet left the stage, grabbed a long wooden hook and yanked the monster off the stage. You had told him that in most human shows, such items were used for such occasion.
After the laughter of audience died down, the music picked up and the show began. Sans eyesocket squinted when the music changed drastically from what he remembered before. Sworms of MTT bots disguised as varies monsters appeared from behind the curtains. While all the monster were distracted from the display, everyone failed to notice you appearing center stage. With a cardboard cut out of a sword, you stood bravely as the bots rushed in. In a great display of athleticism, you doged their onslaught of attacks. Using your fake sword, you blocked them when dodging didn't become an option. Even needing to attack those that were in your way. The bots played along, pretending that the weapon had hurt them.
The crowd sat at their edge of their seat as the battle continued. When all the bots were down, you stood over one of them with your sword raised high causing all the monsters to gasp out. You stared at your weapon before throwing it away and turning your backs from the collapsed bots. Seeing your action, all the bots slowly rose letting out questionel bleeps before fleeing away. The curtain closed behind you, leaving the audience hyped for the next scene.
Mettaton had successfully intrigued the audiance with the prologue and now they were amped up from your display. Having them where they wanted, the bots changed the scene as he made his way to the top of the scene. When the curtains were pulled away, the music soften and the lights shimmered and gleamed. From above Mettaton was slowly lowered down, fully dressed in his sparking blue dress. Singing with his soul, his voice vibrated through out the hall. On cue, shimmering lights fell on top of the audience, leaving them ooing and ahhing.
Throughout the play, it showed the human fighting against numerous monsters who tried to stop you from reaching Mettaton. While bots disguised as humans (anime faces cut outs) tried kidnapping him. But with a swing, twirl and captivating singing, he charmed them into submission. Near the end, both you and Mettaton meet on top of the scaffolding. The monster's let out a gasp when the both of you where interrupted from your everwaiting reunion. Monster bots grabbed you, pulling you down to the "dungeon". Down on the ground you layed and the monsters awaited for any movement. Pretending to struggle to get back on your feet, the crowd silently cheered. Hair disheveled, you held onto your sword with both hands facing forward.
Imsemne ho gresi hjaltär (hidden amongst the crowd, bots appeared)
Renta rura vresti lupre (they grew closer, illuminating their path)
Drestau (hovering above you, they crash down to you)
With one mighty sweep, you blew them away. All the lights pointed to you as you took in a deep breath and started to sing.
Syaltha savlejum petchouli
Pyala tortelru sprei yalhai
Merwi struberun marftür
Milfrin tro milwan dracht nien
Your angelic voice engulfed the theater and your fight turned into a dance that captured your audience even further. Able to manipulate the tone of your voice, the melody continued with a higher pitch in some verses and a lower one in others. Causing the allusion that there were two singers. Through your act, you became weaker and weaker. Giving a sense of wonder if the bots were truly going to win. Your melody froze the monsters throughout the underground, not a single breath was taken until it was abruptly cut.
With your last might, all the bots were defeated and the lights shifted back to the scaffolding. Mettaton in an act of despair flung himself down. Singing the ending of of his song, the bots held onto his body to cause a long slow drop with his dress flowing rapidly behind him. You dashed forward, "catching" him before he hit the floor. Dashingly, Mettaton turned the tables and held you in his arms. A hidden bot came by and dropped smoke bombs onto the stage. Having shielded you from harm, he looks upon your face lovingly as you two grew closer.
Closer and closer you two got, louder and louder the sound of grinding bones from audience grew. "WAIT!!" The crowd including the actors on stage looked at the tall standing skeleton. Mettaton soured by the interruption, he still let his bots continue the show as to not shatter the moment. Before Sans could intervene the scene his brother had cause, Mettaton's bots rolled through the stage, placing fake flames. Stage covered in fake flames, the act finishes with Mettaton holding your weakened body as flames covered his body. The curtain closed, and Whisker's voice could be heard over head.
"Flames turn to ash as the sun rose
The night has come to an end
Bringing sorrow wherever the light touched
Throughout the kingdom, both monsters and humans
Mourned over the destruction they had caused
For twas the tragic end of the beautiful Mettaton and his human."
With that, the performance has come to an end. There was a small pause of silence before the underground bursted in applause. The audience stood, cheering their praises. The performance was a success and Mettaton couldn't have dreamed of a better standing ovation then what he saw at that moment. Opening the curtains, you, Mettaton and Whiskers stood in the middle of the stage hand and hand. Taking your bow, the crowd cheered with abundance that brought tears to the feline monster. When started to settle, you and Whiskers took your leave, leaving Metttaon with the audience. While Whiskers helped the bots clear the stage and Mettaton thanking everyone for coming and giving him their support, you climbed onto the scaffolding.
Sitting down with your legs dangling, Mettaton took his final bow before closing the curtains one final time. The MTT bots ushered the patrons to the exit were a couple of bots were handing out flyers for the next performance. As everyone made their way out, a melody for their parting played. You sang your last song.
I feel like I'm losing hope
In my body and my soul
And the sky, it looks so ominous
And as time comes to a halt
Silence starts to overflow
My cries are inconspicuous
Tell me God, are you punishing me?
Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes?
This is my redemption song
I need you more than ever right now
Can you hear me now?
The monsters that were the farthest from the exit, staggered to stay, in the chance to hear the melodious sound. But as the bots pushed them out, only left them wanting more; encouraging them to seek out the next event.
"The punk can really sing." Undyne commented as she looked at the two brothers. Only the VIP stood behind. Undyne and Alphys with a knowing smile, left them as the brothers stood still staring up above. Even though beautiful it may seem, it left them aching. Almost as if you where saying your goodbyes.
The bots needing to hurry on to getting the next event ready, they escorted Sans and Papyrus out of the theater before closing it up. All alone, your own words stirred something in you. Something you couldn't understand. Hoping down gracefully, you were met with Mettaton. Having discarded his outfit, he held you in his arms.
"Frisk darling, if you are about to do something that feels wrong to you and you have no reason why, then it means your own heart knows something that you do not." Mettaton pulled you at arms length to get a good look at you. "That is the beauty of being a human. While we monsters may be made of only magic with a soul, you have so much more." Caressing your hair one final time, he left the stage.
A single spot light was left shining as you stood in the middle of the stage in the empty theater. Mettaton's words crashing through your mind.
{Frisk, your almost near the end! You want to release them don't you? What are you waiting for, just hurry up and free us!!}
Eyes opened wide, something inside you clicked.
Ba-dum ba-dum
You drew in your breath.
Mettaton waited outside of the theater, staring at the back door leading to his Resort to open. Something inside him wanted them to remain close. Thinking this, he realised how much he had changed. Before any of this, before getting to know you, he would have dragged you out himself. The sole reason he had gain a wider demographic was you. Why would he let someone like that escape through his grasp. Hotland used to be the only place he could have been easily recognise. But throughout Waterfall and Snowdin, he could easily stroll by without batting an eye. So, why was he hoping that you would not come through the door?
Mettaton looked down at his phone, scrolling through your string of messages. It still amazed him how much you were able to write in such a short amount of time. When he had stormed away from you by the elevator, he had left a tiny drone to follow you. The close call of Sans kissing you, left him sour. That he had decided to steal a kiss from you himself when he had the chance before any one else could. It was childish in his part, but your reaction, the reveal of those eyes, were worth it. Of course he had wished to do so again in front of the skeleton himself, but was intrupted. The production was a success nonetheless, so he wasn't bothered by it...much.
His finger hovered over the last message you had sent. A message that regarded the events of the music concert. Everything was on their way of getting ready, including the special guest.
Darling Frisk: why not talk to Napstablook?!! He's a BIG fan and he could help with the music!! σ(εσ)
Having left the the theater, the bone brother's parted their ways. One heading back home to get ready for the concert that was scheduled at the Core while the other one head towards the resort. Papyrus, along with Undyne and Alphys, went back to Snowdin to get more concert ready. With the help of Alphys' human knowledge (anime rhythm based) she informed that they were poorly dressed. That in this occasion, humans tend to wear merchandise to show their support. Papyrus was ecstatic, claiming that he had acquired a large enough quantity of products that the three could wear. But the tall skeleton proposed to modify said products to reflect their support to the one and only Frisk! Before the ladies could answer, Papyrus had already started working on painting your face over the merchandise.
Sans stood by the resort entrance. His mind racing over the events that happened. From your return, the times spent in Snowdin, to just hanging out by his hotdog stand. Even though he hated the idea that it was Mettaton that put you up to it, he couldn't forget your voice. He already longed to hear your laughter, the way you said his name, just hearing you say anything in fact. But your voice at the theater... It captured him. He never knew your voice could go like that. Just remembering your face alone left him in a blushing mess. Yet when Mettaton was so close to kissing you, all he could think of was stealing you away. If his brother hadn't interrupted like he did, Sans would have shortcutted you away.
The blue hoodie skeleton groan as he rubbed his face with his hand. "sans buddy, hate to say it but...you've fallen deep." Taking out his phone, he started texting you but hovered over the send button. The way you smiled and comforted him during his nightmares, how you would always rush over to talk to him, to be with him. The way you would always embrace him. Even after everything he had done. Your gentle smile towards him never changed. Causing a soft smile to appear on his face and his soul to flutter. Taking a leap of faith, he press the send button. Hoping that you may feel the same.
my Frisk: hey kiddo, wanted to congratulate ya for your performance tonight. thought you might enjoy a date at the resort before your next performance. just you and me, what do you say?
The humanoid robot gave one last look at the closed doors before making his call. Phone by his ear, a smile tugged at his lips. "Blooky darling, the scheduled singer for the program has been canceled. Hmm? Oh don't worry, the show will continue as planned. I'll just have to pick a little Siren on my way."
Good luck my darling human
Staring at the empty theater, faces of varies monsters blurried through. All their faces turning to dust. Looking down at your hand, you could almost see...almost feel the dust coating them. At the image, your traded soul pulsed with glee.
Ba-dum ba-dum
Vision of the sunset you once shared with your friends muddle before you. The sunset turning blood red as your friends slowly blew away.
Ba-dum ba-dum
Determination pulsed through your heart against your soul's wishes, for you wouldn't let such an ending come to pass. You pulled up those floating letters that glowed in yellow hue. Making up your mind, your hand hovered over the Reset.
{Frisk! What are you doing!}
"I can't let you end it like that..."
{Your rUining everYthing!!!! TheY were goiNg to be frEe!! DONT you get iT?!it Resetting isn't going to change anything. This soUl, your boDy, it's all mine nOw!!}
"Free... for how long? I won't be able to protect them when they get out and I can't let you ruin it all."
{Ruin... who do yoU think is ruininG it all!!! I won't lEt you ruin my plaN!!!} Your raised hand glitched as Chara fought for control. {I'll makE them pAy! I'll maKe theM ALL pay for whAt they diD to mE!!!}
Using your other hand to help, you smashed the Reset button.
Songs: NieR:Automata (A Beautiful Song) (The Weight of the World)