Alice in Undertale

By Lolitafreak88

Chapter 4 Go Down in Flames

"... This is marvelous. I must say I would love if she were to bake my birthday cake." Alice complimented to herself as she spooned more of the Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie.

The crust was flaky, the rich creamy texture was simply perfect, with the delicate sweetness of both ingredients synchronizing quite perfectly for Alice. Eating this dessert definitely was helping Alice recover from the shock and stress of that nightmare. It seemed so realistic to her… almost as though it had really happened at some point. But the idea of that actually happening is absurd, Alice thought as she hadn't ever seen that door before. What bothered her most about it though was that it implied Toriel would either succeed in keeping her here, or die trying to keep Alice from leaving. While Alice had to be impressed at such a high amount of dedicated on Toriel's part to keep her safe, the curious little girl needed to go. She needed to see Waterfall, needed to return to her own time, and quite frankly needed to not lose her life down here.

"I suppose I should go explore the rest of this house." Alice gave herself some good advice as she finished her dessert and left her room.

Venturing out into the quaint hallway, she continued to go further down the hallway to discover another room. Surprised to find it unlocked, she opened it and peered inside. This room was in a gorgeous shade of blue strikingly similar to Alice's own dress. The decor of the room did suggest that it was more aged and also more fitting for an adult than a child with what appeared to be a work desk present. It had an open book and notes on it as well as a lamp and a wooden chair. A very, very big bed definitely confirmed this was Toriel's room for Alice couldn't imagine anyone else here being able to sleep on that bed without being dwarfed. Cacti and exotic flora were potted and placed beautifully with surprisingly golden flowers placed on top of a large bookshelf. There was also a bucket besides the desk and a dresser. Toriel has very fashionable taste, Alice thought impressed and ventured inside.

"... Are those snails…?" Alice suddenly felt revolted as she realized what was in the bucket.

Indeed there were snails crawling amidst one another at the bottom of the bucket. Taking into consideration also how Toriel offered snail pie earlier and Alice began to fear Toriel had an unhealthy obsession for the strange creatures. Examining the chair next, Alice was surprised to find out it had a name.

"Chairiel… that doesn't sound very original…" Alice critiqued.

Alice next took a look at the thing that drew her attention the most, the open book on the desk. To her delight it was a diary in Toriel's possession.

"Wonderful, this should give me just the information I need to uncover more about this world." Alice practically clapped her hands in excitement.

She noticed a passage that had been circled and read it very carefully. 'Why did the skeleton want a friend? Because she was feeling BONELY…'

"... What sort of rubbish-" Alice, utterly stupefied by what she had just read scrolled down the rest of the passage swiftly.

"Why this is all jokes… and bad puns…" She exclaimed in disappointment.

Far from anything revealing more about the Underground or Toriel or even Waterfall, it was simply a joke-book. Alice felt let down as she was hoping for something about Toriel's past, like something that explained her motives for keeping her down here. Instead she got something that sounded like it belonged to a child and not an adult.

"Then again I suppose it means Toriel is very light-hearted and likes to be comedic…" Alice considered optimistically.

Turning to the bookshelf, Alice took out a book and examined it closely. It turned out to be an encyclopedia of subterranean plants. Considering how Flowey turned out, Alice was quite curious. It would be refreshing to know what Flowey's species was and how he was able to pull off what he did. She turned to the middle and soon learned about Typha; a group of wetland flowering plants with brown, oblong seedpods. This species of flora was also known more commonly as 'water sausages'. Alice was slightly relieved to learn that botany down here at least had some resemblance to the real world but frowned upon learning Flowey and his potential species was not in this book. Turning to the dresser, she opened a drawer to find it filled with socks.

"Well I'm definitely not a detective and this is certainly not a mystery but I expected more clues to come out of this…" Alice mumbled to herself a bit put out with not finding anything.

However, when Alice left the room, she was surprised to see something familiar further down the hall. It was the same mysterious white rabbit with the gold waistcoat and watch. It was simply staring at her, sniffling much like how a real rabbit would before it slowly made it's way towards the last room in the hall. Alice, relieved to see something this fascinating again, gleefully followed it only to find the room door was locked and that a sign said "Room under renovations".

"Hmm… did someone else live here at one point? Although I feel in this isolated place, Toriel is not one to have company… did she have someone special in her life?" Alice asked the Rabbit.

To her astonishment, the Rabbit shook its head but then nodded, as though replying to both her questions. So then perhaps this room is another guest room, Alice concluded. But the way the rabbit had nodded to her second question meant Toriel did have someone special in her life. Now the way Alice had asked it implied someone along the lines of a husband but considering the circumstances, it could also mean a child of her own or a sister or brother. Very curious…

"Well thank you for answering Mr. Rabbit. Well then, I suppose now we shall go see Toriel again…" Alice said but then frowned a bit as she finished her sentence.

Something was telling her that the next meeting with Toriel would force Alice to make an important decision. Stay here or leave by her own will. Murdering was beyond Alice's logic and ideals but that nightmare almost seemed to imply that was the only way. Even so, Alice grimly reasoned, I don't have the knife anymore… As she pondered in an increasingly negative way, she felt something rub against her leg. Alice looked down and saw that it was indeed the Rabbit who had done so. Alice was granted some solace in knowing the Rabbit was displaying genuine care and kindness to her by doing this and all the other things it had done.

"Y-yes… maybe if I explain and ask politely, Toriel would let me go… I never know until I try as some say." Alice spoke with a bit more confidence than before and headed towards the entrance.

Back in the entryway, the Rabbit following her every move like a golden shadow, Alice decided to take a look at the things she skipped. Peering inside the drawer to the left of the stairs she found an old calendar from the beginning of… '201X'...

"... S-so it's true…" Alice's confidence quickly began to fade as she was brutally reminded of the time difference she was caught in.

While she had of course dreamed of an exciting future, she had never imagined something along these lines. Plus this was practically a whole new universe to her where monsters had apparently ruled the Earth and everyone she knew was left behind in the real world. While some monsters had been kind, others hadn't and everything was so new and strange like the cellphone. Alice put the calendar away with a sigh and decided to pass on investigating the bookshelf. The way books have been here I doubt I'll find anything useful, Alice idealized. Alice smiled a bit more realizing she was about to see Toriel as she examined the only pathway Alice had yet to take beyond downstairs. As she entered though, she didn't notice that the Rabbit had vanished yet again…

Alice was pleasantly surprised at what awaited her in what appeared to be the living room of this house. Toriel was sitting on an extremely comfy-looking lounge chair wearing reading glasses and peering daintily into a book. A large fireplace was near her with a perfectly sized fire burning and giving warmth. A rack of tools was in the very corner of the room as well as another giant bookshelf filled with books and a living room table with three chairs. Toriel's interior decorating was divine in Alice's eyes as she felt instantly welcome and was visually dazzled by the beautiful furniture. Approaching Toriel to say something, Toriel beat Alice to it,

"Up already, I see? Um, I want you to know how glad I am to have someone here. There are so many old books I want to share."

"You do seem to be very fond of literature, why is that if I may ask?" Alice asked Toriel sweetly.

"Well my child, books are filled with so much information, so many happy hours spent, and weave the most wonderful tales. I also have always dreamed of being a teacher. Books are an essential tool to have if you want to learn… hmm, but when I put it like that I suppose it isn't all that surprising to you that I want to be a teacher." Toriel elaborated.

"I think that's wonderful. My sister often helps teach me about history and proper mannerisms and in a sense, that makes you remind me of her." Alice replied earnestly.

"I'm glad…" Toriel gave a beautiful smile and turned to read her book again.

Alice was feeling an increasing guilt about her desire to leave the RUINS when Toriel was by far, the most innocent and caring person she had met yet. To even ask to leave would probably be a grave insult to Toriel's dignity and mercy. In fact, learning about her goal of teaching and probably that Toriel wanted to teach her what she knew seemed like a dilemma of a whole different level. Alice wasn't even sure what to say next for the longest while… Noticing another room that Alice had yet to explore gave Alice a bit more faith and she went to see what was in the room.

"Oh my… this is the kitchen she was talking about." Alice spoke when she first entered what was clearly the last room in this house.

With all the essentials one would find in a kitchen from the stove to the oven to the sink, there was no room for argument. There was also a beautiful pie that had already been cut lying on the cabinet, probably the Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie. Kitchen utensils like mitts and pans hanged on the wall and there was also what appeared to be some unusual machine next to it on the right that emitted perfectly cool air. Another interesting device Alice wasn't quite familiar with was a large device with a longer and a shorter door for a total of two. When she opened it, she felt a waft of cold air and saw that there was a brand-name chocolate bar inside.

"Very curious… this must be more technology that have been developed in this time." Alice thought turning to the cooling device on the wall and this sort of food storage device.

Upon closer inspection, she also noticed some white fur caught in the drain of the sink which was probably Toriels. Then in the cupboards of the sink she found gingerbread monster cookie cutters which were very adorable. She looked at the pie and noticed it was quite large and that she was feeling full just by looking at it. Most curiously was that the stovetop was very clean, almost brand new. Despite the fact that you would need a stovetop to cook as well, Alice thought amazed. Remembering how Toriel had conjured that fireball gave Alice the idea that Toriel used that same magic to cook. Alice looked around eagerly but not because she was curious… but because she was trying to delay the inevitable. Asking Toriel to let her go and wondering what would become of her.

"But… I must see this Waterfall and find out how to get home. My sister and Dinah are waiting for me…" Alice attempted a pep talk to get her motivated enough to make the fated attempt.

It worked minorly enough as Alice took a deep breath, sighed, and returned to the living room where Toriel was. As Alice arrived, Toriel took notice.

"Oh, hello Alice! Did you want to hear about the book I'm reading? It is called "72 Uses for Snails." Toriel proposed to Alice.

"... N-no thank you Toriel... " Alice grimaced but tried to sound sincere in her reply.

I'm beginning to sympathize with snails now, Alice thought as she took notice of a history book on a bookshelf and snatched it up. 'Trapped behind the barrier and fearful of further human attacks, we retreated. Far, far into the earth we walked, until we reached the cavern's end. This was our new home, which we named… "Home". As great as our king is, he is pretty lousy at names.'

"This king sounds very lively… fighting to help free the monsters and yet being unable to properly name a new land," Alice spoke out loud, reasoning with herself again.

After all giving what Nabastablook had told her, the monsters had and were currently trying to break the barrier that imprisoned the monsters down here. It appeared as though their fear of humans had worn away with time given that breaking the barrier meant they would no doubt encounter humans again. Then this mention of a king was also quite interesting as it meant the monsters had a monarchy for a government, much like in England. However she heard the rough sound of a book slamming down that was not Alice's. Alice gasped and turned to see Toriel looking strictly at Alice.

"The king… is a changed man from that history book Alice. I wouldn't spend much time thinking about him. He's done a lot of bad things…" Toriel's voice hinted at deep anger and even bitterness about this king.

Suddenly Alice was reminded of something that she had nearly forgotten. Hadn't Chara told her what was needed to break the barrier already? 'They've come up with a way… a plan to do to this. They need the power of seven human SOULS.' …. And knowing what Toriel had just said and about what Nabstablook said… it sounded as though the king and the monsters were… HUNTING. DOWN. HUMANS. Then if that was true… Alice suddenly felt very afraid but while she was doing this, Toriel flinched as though she had seen something shocking and then leaned back in her chair with an embarrassed look. It seemed she had said something she hadn't meant to and looked displeased her with herself. Laughing it off she said,

"T-that's alright my child… which reminds me, what did you think about your slice of pie?"

"It was quite lovely… did you learn how to bake yourself or had someone taught you?" Alice inquired with a poor attempt to hide her doubt.

Realizing at last the truth behind the history book and the full meaning of Nabstablook's words, Alice realized that outside the ruins… she was in high demand. She was essentially a wanted criminal, to be killed so that her SOUL's power could be used for the monsters benefit. Considering Toriel's good-hearted nature and how she just reacted about hearing the king, it seemed as though Toriel disapproved of this entirely. For good reason as well. Alice was now wracked with a horrible sense of confusion and turmoil. Going meant putting herself into the lion's den but staying here meant putting herself in a pit of quicksand. Both would leave to a future where Alice would likely die unhappy. Yet… Waterfall… her cat and sister… home… those sounded so desirable. And… how could she deny her curiousity?

"I've always been very good at domestic skills like cooking and cleaning my dear. Fire magic also comes very much in handy too. By the way I hope to start you on a curriculum tomorrow Alice, so that you may learn all that I want to teach you." Toriel spoke gently.

"Toriel, I'm afraid I simply… can't have a curriculum and I cannot stay here. I want to know if it is possible to leave these Ruins," Alice finally asked, her conscience not feeling very bright.

Toriel's look shifted from genuine happiness to a startled and worried look. Yet, Alice observed, it appears she's been asked this before. There was a quality to Toriel's expression that hinted at having faced his question before by somebody else and the panic made it all the more nerve-wracking for Alice. Toriel closed her eyes for several moments and seemed to be sweating. Then at last she spoke to Alice grimly,

"...I have to do something. Stay here."

Alice's eyes widened and she voiced a gasp. This was what Chara warned her about. Toriel would and most definitely could keep Alice in here if she wanted to. There was no other possible thing Toriel could be going to do beyond ensuring Alice couldn't leave. Setting her book aside, Toriel marched past Alice and presumably towards the stairs. Alice stood still for a few moments twiddling her fingers and looking between the comfort of the living room and the stairway that Toriel soon descended down. Time seemed to move so slowly as Alice tried to contemplate a choice. She recalled when she first voiced her desire to see the Underground and find a way home to Chara and how he had encouraged her it could be done. That was before he handed me that knife though, Alice realized. Alice, afraid of thinking about the other aspect of her choice, decided to go on that encouragement alone.

"Toriel WAIT!" Alice pleaded as she dashed towards the stairs.

Little did she know in her fearful rush, the White Rabbit appeared again and hopped after her with a magical grace and subtle trail of golden sparkles. With her hair flying and her legs carrying her as fast as she could, Alice found that the stairs led her down to a hallway strikingly similar to the outside ruins. Toriel was in the middle of the hallway standing there, her back facing Alice. Alice stopped in concern when she saw Toriel's position as she was sure Toriel would've simply gone ahead and do what she intended to do. Toriel then talked to Alice,

"You wish to know how to return "home," do you not?"

"Y-yes Toriel… it's not that I don't enjoy your company because I sincerely think you are a lovely woman, it's just-"

"Ahead of us lies the RUINS. A one-way exit to the rest of the underground. I am going to destroy it. No one will ever be able to leave again." Toriel interrupted Alice with a shocking reveal.

"But why?! I… I cannot be confined here forever… what about Waterfall? O-or returning to my time…? A-and Dinah!" Alice lost her composure and began screaming to Toriel with reasons to not destroy it.

Toriel's head lowered.

"A-Alice… please be a good child and return to your room. Going to Waterfall is not worth the risk…" Toriel said and continued on her way down the hallway.

"W-what risk…? I mean the monsters are friendly right…? Or at least… they are occupied with more important matters?" Alice asked worriedly.

It was at the moment she noticed the Rabbit by her side and was definitely comforted by that fact. It was always reassuring to not be alone, especially when she was face to face with a clearly more powerful figure. Even so, Alice's mind was being tortured by the details she knew. The worst part is that Alice knew what the risk was entirely, that her soul would be ripped from her body and she would die a horrible death. So she had asked Toriel about the risk in an attempt to sound like she didn't know any better. Is this really for the best? Alice asked herself momentarily as she continued to pursue Toriel. The Rabbit followed her every move, stopping whenever Alice stopped, and seemed loyal to her.

"Every human that falls down here meets the same fate Alice… I have seen it again and again. They come. They leave. They die. Those are the risks that I'm trying to protect you from."

"They… die…" Alice almost seemed to accept Toriel's viewpoint.

She finally realized something else about Toriel's statements. She had said 'again and again' meaning it happened various times firsthand to the goat mom. 'They have six souls already' Chara had told her. Those six souls they have must've been… humans Toriel had attempted to keep in here before… Alice felt her knees grow weak but the comfort of the Rabbit and the sole desire to leave was the only thing keeping her afloat. As she felt crushed and dispirited, she let her dreams carry her forward. Toriel was clearly disappointed and shook her head.

"You naive child… you are blinded by curiousity and are oblivious to many things… If you leave the ruins… they… ASGORE… will kill you…I am only protecting you, do you not understand?" Toriel spoke to Alice severely like a mother scolding her child for doing something out of line.

"ASGORE…? T-that's the-" Alice gasped as the pieces came together in her mind.

"Yes… he is the king… and he will show no mercy… now please go to your room." Toril kept moving on.

"W-wait! H-how do you know h-he… wouldn't… spare.. b-but what about… Waterfall..?." Alice began feeling tears reach her eyes as she followed after Toriel with lower and lower morale.

The Rabbit followed Alice as she noticed that the hallway took a turn to the left. Toriel once again stood still which only served to pressure Alice further. It was as though she was specifically waiting to attempt to dissuade her from going. Alice wished she wasn't here… that she was in a much more comfortable environment for her, like home. But right now she felt as though she had no real choice, no real answer to her problems. She was facing the goat mother who only wanted her to stay and not be killed for her soul but yet she was also facing the idea of being imprisoned in the ruins forever. Both sides, Alice's dreams and Toriel's sanctity were justified and had compelling arguments. So that was why Alice's steps were much weaker and slower than ever before.

"Alice… that ghost didn't know any better… and I wish I hadn't let him get your hopes up. He only described the destination and not how perilous the journey is. That is why I have to do this. Do not try to stop me. This is your final warning," In a voice both heartbreaking and inspiring, Toriel advised Alice for the final time before she did approach that door.

"Why… why do I have to do this…?" Alice asked herself tragically.

A number of things were rushing through her mind. The revelation that outside the ruins she was practically a target for a monster manhunt, the evidence of how far Toriel was trying to persuade Alice to stay and that she had seen those who shared her dream fall, the nightmare that suggested what would play out and result in Toriel's death and Alice's grim triumph, and finally how close she was to finally seeing Waterfall and the other parts of the Underground. There was also the matter that Alice had no idea how she could possibly duel Toriel if it did come down to it, Alice being just a little girl and Toriel a magician of flame. Then something occurred to her. Pacifism. Like Toriel had taught her earlier, pacifism had indeed kept Alice alive thus far. She was able to convince all the monsters in the ruins to not attack her and even make friends with them. Maybe that was what could keep her alive out there too… keep the monsters from hunting her down. What if that's the answer to this riddle? Alice considered with a hint of hope and determination.

"... Toriel, I'm sorry…" Alice spoke up bitterly but also more determined as she followed Toriel to the end of the hall.

The door was more clear to Alice than it had been in the nightmare, the only similarity being that Toriel was standing in front of it like a tombstone for a grave. Big and purple, marked with ancient markings, there was almost a great presence and great power it possessed. Like Pandora's Box or the Holy Grail. It was the only way into the Underground from what everyone had said… Chara… Toriel… there was no mistaking it. Alice meekly approached, the Rabbit at her heel, trying not to face Toriel. Toriel then spoke in a harsh, disappointed tone,

"You want to leave so badly? Hmph. You are just like the others Alice. I'll say you are more inquisitive and a bit more refined than the others but you share their same weakness. There is only one solution to this. Prove yourself…"

"Prove myself…?" Alice gasped flabbergasted.

Suddenly the heat of the room seemed to increase by a significant amount and Toriel was surrounded by a circlet of flames. Alice placed her hands on her heart, feeling as though her heart would burst as she saw and knew what this display of power meant. Win and leave or lose and stay here forever, you must challenge me... Alice thought poetically, trying to give herself some clarity as she stared dumbfounded. In the end, fear won over logic.

"W-wait… Toriel… please… I-I couldn't-" Alice began sobbing.

"Prove to me you are strong enough to survive," Toriel spoke powerfully and turned to face Alice, her determination plain and clear on her face.

Alice didn't even understand how things had led up to this. It was clear now Toriel did know what was best for her and perhaps… Alice would die if she left these ruins. She had been at the mercy of Flowey after all... But then that would mean having to accept being in the future, trapped in the ruins, without anyone she loved or anything she knew beside her. A jail… a game over… Alice didn't want that. What she did want was not to die but to choose her fate. Despair at having to face Toriel to achieve this was what brought her to tears.

"T-Toriel… no… I can't do this to you… y-you saved me…!" Alice spoke tearfully.

"..." Toriel was absolutely silent.

The flames then shot out at Alice, as though charging forth as a stampede. Alice narrowly avoided them, not nearly as precisely as previous evasions but still successful. The Rabbit hopped and even did a flip to avoid the flames itself though Alice wasn't sure why it was here anymore. Toriel didn't hold back as she sent fireballs of flame and sorcery at Alice continuously. Intricate patterns of attacks beautiful enough to be made into an artwork flew at quick speeds. Alice, still sobbing, continued to dodge the attacks the best she could though she often felt the fireballs brush by her sleeves, apron, or skirt. Alice observed Toriel, noticing the goat mother was acting aloof.

"What are you doing? Attack or run away!" She ordered Alice.

"B-but I can't… I don't even have the means to attack you… I know I-I am being selfish… but I also desire to leave…!" Alice wailed.

What Alice didn't notice yet again, understandably enough in this circumstance, was a change in the Rabbit. It appeared to be sparkling a bit brighter, a golden radiance surrounding it. Toriel's fiery dance showed no signs of ceasing as Toriel continued to question Alice.

"What are you proving this way? You are only avoiding responsibility… lost in your daydreams. Fight me or leave!" She demanded, taking a deep breath.

"Aughhh!" At that precise moment, Alice was hit by one of the fireballs and screamed.

It didn't singe her clothes or herself oddly enough, but the heat and pain was very much present. Perhaps this was a unique aspect of these magical fireballs but it still hurt Alice. She fell to the ground as she continued to sob.

"Toriel please… let me go… I know you care about me from the bottom of your heart b-but… didn't you inform me the proper way of h-handling battles?" Alice offered.

"Stop it…. Stop looking at me that way… it's true I taught you the way I've always known but…" Toriel looked away from Alice.

For the first time, Toriel's expression seemed to diminish in pride and resolution, now looking torn. The Rabbit seemed to be flashing periodically in gold spurts of light. Alice suddenly began to feel like she had the answer… the way to avoid that nightmare from coming true and still secure the right to be free. The way that had been presented to her by the one attempting to keep her trapped here. Alice was filled with determination.

"Go away…!" Toriel tried to plead aloofly but couldn't hide sadness on her face.

"Please Toriel, end this assault… y… you taught me what I need to survive… to be determined… that way is to not fight or run away… but to PACIFY." Alice said resolutely.

At that moment, something of an incredible magical nature happened. The Rabbit, now comprised completely of golden light, hopped gallantly into the air. Then it appeared to metamorphose into something grand and divided. Golden drops of water began to fall and pour onto the area, dousing the magical flames conjured by Toriel. To any ordinary bystander, one would assume this to be rain but Alice knew what they really were. Or at least she had a particularly closer idea to what they were. She had dreamed of once growing to giant proportions and her tears had created a flood. The tears of a giant woman. It was a vivid, extraordinary dream of her in her Wonderland. So it seemed that through sheer DETERMINATION, she had brought a fantasy of hers to life. Chara had said human souls were a lot stronger than monster souls through determination so had Alice tapped into her soul to gain this newfound power? That seems to be my only answer at the moment, Alice decided.

"T-this is…" Toriel was astounded but still clearly saddened.

Alice seized the opportunity to run to Toriel's side and grasp both her wrists to keep her from casting more magic. The golden teardrops disappeared and the Rabbit didn't even reappear. It was just Alice and Toriel.

"Toriel… this is how far I'm willing to go… this is how much I want to go… I understand that I may be hunted and killed out there but… I have learned so much from you… I wish to put it to good use and find a path that will help everyone." Alice spoke as compassionately as she could.

Toriel still seemed in denial. Having seen six children lose their lives so tragically by leaving the ruins meant that Toriel didn't want to take anymore chances. Regardless of the power Alice displayed, there was no way of knowing if that would happen again...

"B-but Alice… I know you want to leave… but please… go upstairs now… I promise I will take good care of you here." Toriel offered so sweetly that Alice began to cry again.

"I-I know you would… sniff…" She sobbed.

"I know we do not… have… much…" Toriel even seemed to become a bit teary-eyed and wiped the first ones away from her eyes.

"... Ngh…"

"We can have a good life here. Why are you making this so difficult? P-please go… upstairs…" Toriel tearfully requested.

"I… I've only e-ever wanted… a world of my own… a Wonderland… a-and… I want to see it more than anything else…" Alice then proceeded to hug Toriel as she made a powerful statement.

"Haha… pathetic, is it not? I cannot save... even a single child." Toriel confessed as she also began to cry and hugged back Alice.

"... Toriel…"

Alice had developed such a powerful and giant respect for Toriel that this whole exchange was killing her inside. It was like she was denying Toriel for the goddess of mercy that she had proven herself to be. Her own wishes seemed like such a slap to the face for what Toriel had given her. Yet Toriel right now appeared to be accepting Alice's point of view at last and was giving into Alice's demands. Alice felt so cruel… like she was betraying Toriel's trust in her. The one reprieve though was that it was clear Alice didn't need to kill Toriel to be free. So she had once again proven Chara's cold advice wrong.

"No, I understand. You would just be unhappy trapped down here. The RUINS are very small once you get used to them. It would not be right for you to grow up in a place like this. My expectations… my loneliness… my fears… For you, my child… I will put this aside." Toriel accepted Alice's words once and for all having calmed down a bit.

"T-thank you so much Toriel…" Alice curtsied as gracefully as she could, still teary-eyed.

Toriel smiled and wiped away Alice's tears for her.

"You definitely were taught well by your sister… if you truly wish to leave the RUINS Alice… I will not stop you. You seem to have taken my advice to heart… and that DETERMINATION you showed me…. might be more than enough to protect you. However, when you leave… please do not come back." Toriel instructed Alice.

"... I-I will…" Alice sniffled.

"... I'm glad you understand." Then Toriel proceeded to hug Alice tenderly and sweetly one more time.

Alice gladly hugged back, feeling as though she was going to miss Toriel deeply. She had done so much for Alice, and Alice felt that she needed to repay her in someway. She wasn't sure on how she was going to do it but… she figured there would be a way. The last of Alice's tears fell as she hugged the goat mom before Toriel parted away from her and spoke what would be the last words Alice would hear from her in these ruins,

"Goodbye, my child."

Toriel then proceeded to walk down to the hall and seemed to be heading home. But at at a certain point, she stopped and turned to look at Alice one more time. Alice felt it was necessary to repay that one look.

"I will never forget your kindness Toriel. I promise that if we ever meet again, I will bring you wonderful tales to tell." Alice curtsied once more as she declared selflessly to Toriel.

Toriel smiled brightly and appeared to get teary-eyed once more. Then she walked away down into the darkness of the hall.

"..." Alice fell to her knees for a moment, worn out from the drama and the battle.

She had never felt more proud and yet more hard on herself in her whole life. She was proud of being a pacifist, of earning her right to explore fair and square. On the other hand, she was hard on herself for practically throwing away what Toriel had so diligently and kindly given her. Alice needed to live, she needed to explore, she needed to achieve everything Toriel had entrusted her to do and that she trusted herself to accomplish. These doors appeared to have been unlocked so there was certainly no stopping her. But as Alice was sitting on her knees, to her greatest shock, she heard a strange voice on the other side of the door,

"Thank goodness.."

"...!" Alice flinched and instinctively turned to the door.

The voice she had heard… there was something gruff, masculine yet warm about it. As though it was coming from a good-natured yet serious uncle. It sounded relieved and the choice of words also suggested it was pleased at what it had heard. Still Alice felt quite spooked and slightly offended that her heartfelt moment with Toriel had been overheard by some outsider. What if it was a monster intent on hunting Alice down for her soul…? Somehow though, Alice thought, the tone and nature of that voice doesn't imply anything of that sort. Alice wasn't sure about opening the door though quite yet so she waited anxiously for several minutes to see if the voice would speak up again. When it didn't, Alice got to her feet and faced the door wondering what she should do.

"Well… the most likely conclusion is that the voice was only listening in at this particular moment and they might've departed. However, that is no excuse to lower my guard so… I suppose this is the beginning." Alice shrugged her shoulders as she placed her hand on the door.

There was no turning back and nowhere to return to in the ruins. If she wanted to find WATERFALL or see more of this Wonderland she would have to go through this alone. She was unsure if Chara or Flowey would reappear during this journey but she was also keeping an eye out for them. After all, they had a grim influence it seems and could either mean trouble or an attempt to persuade her into doing something cruel. Persevering and feeling as though she was making her first real choice, Alice opened the door…

To Be Continued...