Alice in Undertale
By Lolitafreak88
Chapter 10 The Story of the Curious Friends
Regardless of whether or not she couldn't speak or move, Alice knew she had to do something. Otherwise Chara was going to do unspeakable things using her image. The worst of which was probably going to be what Chara was intent on doing first: Killing Papyrus. Chara, what is the meaning of this? How did you do this? Alice asked Chara, only able to communicate by using her thoughts. It sounded like a very peculiar thing when described, almost like a psychic ability, but it felt strangely natural to Alice. Chara, who was currently flexing their borrowed fingers, replied out loud to her,
"Let's just say that I'm not the same person I was before I came into the Underground. I take DETERMINATION and use it wisely. As for why? Well, I'm surprised you didn't see this coming, considering how utterly weak, naive, and pitiful you've been acting. Not even bothering to kill a single monster and letting yourself get pummeled by a weakling like Papyrus? Disappointing. I had to take over."
Don't you dare call Papyrus a weakling! He was able to defeat me fair and square! And I'm simply following the advice Toriel gave me. It seems as though you won't listen to any advice! Alice scolded Chara.
"Oh but he is weak. For starters, none of his puzzles were any fun to solve right? Most of them being too easy or having no point to them. Then you lose to him and if he really wanted to capture you, he wouldn't have brought you here. The reason he didn't drag you to Undyne himself is because he's too nice Alice. Papyrus wants a friend from the bottom of his misguided heart. That's why he's neither a Royal Guardsman or a being who could survive this 'kill or be killed' world." Chara replied as they got through the bars quite easily.
H-how can you say that so confidently? Don't you care about this world? Or do you miss the human world that much that you've simply neglected the citizens and life of the Underground?
"... Neither world is worth living Alice. I hated the human world. The only thing worth living there was that there was family around and even then sometimes they broke you down. Here, there's a king willing to slaughter your kind just to break out of here. There are monsters who are strange, can't be comprehended, secrets and conspiracies, DETERMINATION, and the land itself was completely boring and small. The only good thing here is that there's incredible power to be found and the way to get it is relatively easy. With that power I can change the world the way I see fit." Chara replied with a hint of dejection.
Chara sounded completely psychotic in their words but yet they also seemed resolute in their statement. It was as if they had a lifetime of personal experience and wisdom to back up their statements which drew Alice's curiousity. It was also a stark contrast to how somewhat supportive Chara had been when they met in the Ruins. Granted they were still cold, clearly intent on resorting to dangerous measures, and intimidating but there was somewhat of a ranting anger and impatience this time around. They were clearly desperate to see something die which could potentially be an advantage Alice could use. Chara, may I ask why you hated the human world? Granted humanity will most likely never be perfect but life there is, well, the only life we have. It's quite worth it in my book. Alice spoke again to Chara who had by now adjusted to Alice's body.
"True… you live in an idyllic, fairy-tale time so you probably don't know anything about what horrors come next for humanity. Wars that span across the world destroying millions, scandals and corruption, destruction of places that ignite even more wars, hypocrisy and greed, cruelty unlike anything the world has ever seen, and even when I last saw humanity… the environment was far filthier than your time. There were also weapons that would make the magic down here look like mere toys and suffering in the forms of hunger, poverty, and despair. Humans are irredeemable Alice. You read about it right? Their SOULS, especially now, lack love, hope, and compassion. Not that those three things are anything to care about in the first place. Humanity's a much darker place now than it was in your time and that's why I cannot tolerate it. It needs to change." Chara replied as they exited the shed and headed towards where Papyrus was waiting.
They held the Vorpal Blade behind their back, obviously to conceal it from anyone looking from the front. Alice had to confess she was definitely very startled and even a bit horrified to hear what Chara had just described. It sounded as though times became very violent for humanity and injustices and nightmarish acts were committed. Why it sounded like a more dangerous world to live in than the Underground from what Chara described. The idea of weapons more powerful than magic itself and that there was devastating destruction that brought despair to the people of the world sounded awful. It also made Alice feel worse about Dinah and her sister, left to fare such a fatal future alone and heartbroken. Yet Alice knew that Chara was trying to bend her opinion and if there was one thing Alice would not allow to be manipulated, it was her opinions.
I… I see… that really does sound quite awful… but… i disagree with you about hope, love, and compassion. Those are things that have guided humanity through the past, the present, and into the future. Those qualities cannot so easily be broken or taken for granted. Why I have hope in the Underground, love for those who've supported me and taught me new things, and compassion to help the monsters be free again. Those are things I care about and even cherish. Alice remained optimistic in her words as after all, there was one thing that proved there were also good things about the future.
"That's just you though, the monsters here are even losing those traits after so many years of imprisonment. Granted you being here brings them hope but only because they are hoping for your death. See why this world is kill or be killed? Their happiness stands firmly in the way of your happiness, only for them there's no worries about if you die. Your death is necessary for their happiness while yours depends on whether you live long enough to attain it. You have to fight for your happiness more than ever, so that's why you have to kill. Hope, love, and compassion don't mean anything then." Chara sounded significantly calmer after seemingly venting out their sheer intolerance for humanity.
Perhaps, but there's always another way to find happiness, and more information that remains to be found. Toriel didn't kill me right? She wanted to protect me and even now, like you said, Papyrus could've taken me to Asgore or Undyne by now but chose not to. That shows there are other forms of happiness for these monsters and that they aren't all out to get me. He trusts me as a person and as a friend and I shan't repay that kindness by allowing you to kill him! Furthermore, maybe what you said about humanity becoming more violent and destructive has some truth to it but there's also good that comes in the future. More equality and acceptance of different kinds of people and ways of living. That in itself sounds like an accomplishment that anybody would look forward to in the future! So until I see the new world for myself, I will not think hatefully about the future like you have and give both it and the Underground a chance! Alice gave an empowered speech that seemed worthy of a queen.
"... So you're determined to die then? Well it's your choice… or at least was. Now that I'm in control the only things that will die are those that cross our path. What I can give you credit for is that you are very smart for your age Alice. You can speak up for yourself. It's your curiousity and desire to prove yourself that brings you down. You can't even kill anyone because you're too busy trying to find out everything about them. Who needs to find out about things that will die in an instant?" Chara asked Alice, imposing a challenge to her.
Alice was hurt and would've whimpered if she could after hearing that, but now that she had declared her faith in the Underground she wasn't going to back down. She was trying to find the DETERMINATION from within to defy Chara and regain control of her body. So far she had a strong start but she was missing something, some component emotion or cause that could really bolster her to the radiance she displayed when encountering Toriel. When she had faced Toriel, she had been determined to earn her freedom to explore the Underground and show her will to survive. Right now she had the desire to save Papyrus but she needed something else that would allow her to channel that golden light again.
"Well… there he is again. Wonder what he'll say this time around." Chara chuckled mischievously.
Indeed, down the fogless path in the same spot where he had stood previously was Papyrus. It was almost choreographed in a sense that he would be standing there waiting for Alice to show up again. What he didn't know was that Chara was currently in Alice's place and they were wielding the Vorpal Blade which was intent on ending him. Naturally such information made Alice very worried and distressed that Papyrus was an open target. However she did notice something about Papyrus's expression that looked… concerned. In fact he appeared relieved to see Alice, like he had been desperate to talk to her. Sure enough, Papyrus began to speak to Chara,
"OH ALICE! HUMAN… IT DOES SEEM AS THOUGH WE ARE BOUND TOGETHER! TWO BONES IN THE ANATOMY OF FATE! BUT… I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL LOST… AT WHAT YOU SAID… ALICE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY I'D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN?"
Chara clearly looked surprised as this and grimaced. They hadn't expected to be questioned by Papyrus about things Alice said previously. Give me something to say Alice or I'll just go and kill him right now, they spoke to Alice in her head. Alice felt a bit better in amusement at Chara being caught off-guard by Papyrus but still had to obey their request.
"King Asgore needs my soul to break the barrier. So to get to my soul they would have to kill me." Chara said, trying their best to mimic Alice's posture and expression to not give themselves away.
"T-THAT'S… I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY UNDYNE HUMANS WERE CONNECTED TO THE BARRIER AND THAT THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT'S CREATION… BUT… KILLING A HUMAN LIKE YOU IS OUT OF THE QUESTION! YOU HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL TO LIVE AND YOU LIKE PUZZLES AND RIDDLES! I-IF I WAS TO KILL YOU… I'D FEEL HEARTBROKEN AND LIKE I WAS GOING DOWN A DANGEROUS PATH. SO… I'M SORRY. I'M GOING TO SPARE YOU FROM THAT." Papyrus apologized sincerely and clasped his hands together as he articulated his message.
"..." Chara didn't say anything and instead approached Papyrus with strangely hesitant steps.
It seemed as though something about Papyrus's words did get to Chara in some way though Alice wasn't sure how or why. There was a mix of anger in their steps but also some doubt, like they had just found out something about Papyrus that they never known. As for Alice herself… she was extremely touched. Papyrus clearly had listened and cared about her when they had fought. He wasn't liking the idea of sending her to her death anymore and wanted her to live which was something that felt so comforting in this new world to hear. It was though she really could change a monster's outlook by being a pacifist. However, Chara's movements frightened her and made her realize how little time she had to stop them from killing Papyrus and causing a downward spiral. She thought of all the things that could make her determined when suddenly Papyrus spoke again.
"I SEE YOU ARE APPROACHING. ARE YOU OFFERING A HUG OF FORGIVENESS AND ACCEPTANCE? I KNOW I HAVE DONE SOMETHING NEAR DISASTROUS FOR MY INTEGRITY AND HURT YOU. BUT I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, APPRECIATE YOUR OFFER. I SHALL WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS! AFTER ALL, I… I THINK OF YOU AS A FRIEND… AND WE WERE SCHEDULED TO HAVE A DATE. I DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW YOU AND SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER… FRIEND." Papyrus held his arms out like he said and gave an endearing smile.
Alice felt something click inside of her and if she was in control of her body, would've been moved to tears. Papyrus thought of her as a friend, HIS friend, and seeing how he wanted friends more than anything, his first real friend. In a sense, Papyrus was also Alice's first real friend here in the Underground. She couldn't see Toriel anymore, the Ruins were sealed away, and only Sans and Papyrus had really made the effort to get to know her once she exited the Ruins. Papyrus now here was actively expressing that he saw Alice as a friend and that she could trust him. After that nightmare that revealed how alone Alice had become without Dinah and her sister around anymore… this felt like the thing she needed most. To know she wasn't alone. That was something to have DETERMINATION for to protect and to cherish. Alice felt a hope and a sensation of power rise within her and it seemed as though Chara recognized it too. Chara looked to Papyrus, grinned unpleasantly, and revealed the Vorpal Blade as they assumed a warrior stance.
"FOOL, who'd ever spend time with the likes of you?! Someone who dies at every given opportunity?!" Chara taunted defiantly as they held the sword high like an executioner.
Papyrus, beyond all expectation, didn't even flinch when he saw the blade but rather resumed smiling bravely and held his arms out openly. That was how much he believed in Alice, and that belief was what finally allowed Alice to find her DETERMINATION. NO MORE! However it appeared as though another voice inside Alice's head joined in as she unleashed this battle cry. It was not her own voice but rather a mysterious, gender-neutral voice. It appeared as though even her own DETERMINATION itself was granted a voice. Alice was surprised but she didn't let it distract her from using it to save Papyrus.
"...?! WHAT?!" Chara screeched as they felt their arms being restrained from swinging the Vorpal Blade down on Papyrus's head.
On either side of Chara, each of them grabbing a respective arm to keep Chara restrained, were two figures composed of golden light. They appeared to be two fat boys in schoolboy uniforms with shoes and propellor hats adorned with flagpoles and flags. To the left was Tweedle-Dee and to the right was Tweedle-Dum. Brothers like Papyrus and Sans with a love of games and telling stories. Here, they were determined to protect Papyrus who loved games and telling stories just as much as they did. So they stopped Chara who was posing as Alice and kept them from swinging the Vorpal Blade. Papyrus seemed dazzled by the technique and slightly moved back but still gave a welcoming stance towards Chara. Such honesty was admirable and it infuriated Chara that they couldn't erase it.
"R-release me now… if I fail… there'll be no more chances for me…!" Chara growled with desperation.
Giving me advice is fine but what I will not condone is a hostile takeover of my identity Chara. Perhaps you have endured the worst of humanity and that has warped your opinion of it but you cannot force it upon me. I apologize for whatever you went through but not for what you are trying to do to these innocents. You will not harm anyone and no longer cause despair as long as I'm in this world of my own. BEGONE! Alice asserted knowledge of herself and control over her mind as DETERMINATION surged throughout her body. Chara felt their presence within Alice's mind be overcome and shut out entirely. Thus, with a flash of brilliant golden light emitting from Alice, Chara was expelled from her body violently and hurled upon the snowy ground as Alice suddenly felt in control again. She gasped and began to breathe again and the Vorpal Blade disappeared at once.
"Hah… ah… hah…" She panted, tired from the strong effort.
Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum released her and stood away from her as Alice fell to her knees to regain her stamina. Papyrus beared witness to the whole thing but didn't detect Chara whatsoever as he had been most concerned for Alice. Chara instinctively disappeared from where they were lying on the snow, clearly incapable of doing anything more for the time being. It had been a true victory for Alice and a sign that she had mastered her DETERMINATION. Still concerned, Papyrus spoke to Alice from where he was,
"ALICE? A-ARE YOU OK?!"
"... Hee… w-well I must say that… I feel proud…" Alice chuckled as tears of joy fell down her cheeks.
"ARE YOU HURT ANYWHERE?"
"On the contrary… I feel better than I've ever been since I arrived here. I have a friend now and I am in control of my destiny. Love, hope, and compassion… that is what I'm feeling the most." Alice raised her head and faced Papyrus with a beaming smile.
"O-OH… A-ALICE… I'M SO PROUD I COULD CRY! YOU DIDN'T DO A VIOLENCE A-AND… YOU REALLY WANT ME AS A FRIEND…?! THE GREAT PAPYRUS?!" Papyrus also appeared just as touched and teary eyed
"Well certainly. I think of you as a perfectly wonderful individual and a great friend. You've done so much for me that I didn't even realize initially and you wanted me to live Papyrus. That is something I am ever grateful towards." Alice got up and curtsied elegantly as she spoke.
"... THANK YOU." Papyrus said honestly as he shed a tear.
With that, Alice ran over and hugged Papyrus gleefully as Papyrus wrapped the little girl in his arms. Two friends had survived an ordeal that would determine the fate of their friendship and the fate of whether or not they would be allowed to live. Now they were able to move forward with their bond and enjoy life to its fullest. Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum gave each other a hi-five before they disappeared, their mission complete. Papyrus and Alice remained hugging for several minutes, each of them enjoying the comfort being provided by the other's warmth. It was noticeably getting darker outside, for the day had been very long from the moment Alice left the Ruins so Alice parted away to ask,
"Um Papyrus, if you don't mind such an impertinent demand, could I please stay the night at your place? I'm very tired from all that has happened today and it is dark outside."
"HMM? WOWIE! HOW FORWARD! WE HAVEN'T EVEN HAD OUR FIRST DATE AND YOU ALREADY WISH TO COME TO MY HOUSE! WHO KNEW ALL I HAD TO DO TO MAKE PALS… WAS TO GIVE PEOPLE AWFUL PUZZLES AND THEN FIGHT THEM?"
"Well they weren't that awful. I quite enjoyed some of them and it was an enlightening experience." Alice replied with a giggle.
"YOU ARE SO SWEET IT GIVES ME CAVITIES! OH ALICE, YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO STAY AT OUR PLACE AND YOU MAY ALSO PASS THROUGH THIS PATH WHENEVER YOU ARE READY. I'LL TELL YOU MORE ABOUT WHAT LIES AHEAD WHEN THE TIME COMES! FOR NOW, WE'RE OFF TO SEE MY BROTHER. I HOPE HE'S NOT BEING TOO LAZY…" Papyrus announced with some worry.
"Perhaps I could help encourage him to show some more conviction if he is being lazy?" Alice asked earnestly.
"THAT'D BE FANTASTIC!" Papyrus replied, clapping his hands giddily.
As the two continued making idle chatter, they set back towards Snowdin. Alice felt so released from all the pressures and fear she had been having and Papyrus felt so thrilled to have someone to talk to and a real friend. The two of them approached the mysterious yet beautiful house with the balcony that Alice saw before. Knowing that Papyrus was leading the way this could only mean one thing. Alice looked to Papyrus and said,
"So then this is truly your house Papyrus? I think it looks amazing! I love how you have a balcony!"
"W-WELL… UNFORTUNATELY NEITHER I OR SANS CAN ACCESS THAT BALCONY. TRULY AN OVERSIGHT MADE DURING CONSTRUCTION BUT YES! WELCOME TO CASA DE PAPYRUS AND SANS! Papyrus announced with a flamboyant arm gesture.
"Well I think I'm going to like it here and I am very excited to see what the interior looks like. Do monsters do their own interior decorating?" Alice inquired.
"OF COURSE. WELL I MOSTLY HANDLE THE HOUSEWORK. SANS… LAYS ABOUT AND MAKES PUNS MOST OF THE DAY. HE ALSO LOVES TO LEAVE STUFF AROUND THE HOUSE! BUT ANYWAYS, COME IN." Papyrus said as he opened the door and guided Alice inside.
Stepping forth into the house of two living and magical skeletons was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and Alice was simply dazzled by what she saw. A beautiful blue and purple zig-zag carpet, a desk with what appeared to be some sort of strange rectangular device on it, a green sofa, a table with a red book on it, a stairway, a kitchen, and a big desk with what appeared to be a plate with a rock covered in sprinkles on top of it. Alice was especially fascinated by the strange rectangular device as she had no idea what it was though the rock seemed interesting too. Overall, it was a very cozy-looking place to live and Alice was relieved to be staying here.
"This is a wonderful place. But may I ask about a few things if I can?" Alice asked politely.
"CERTAINLY. I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL EXPLAIN ALL!" Papyrus seemed up for the challenge.
"Why is there a rock with sprinkles on it?"
"THIS IS MY BROTHER'S PET ROCK. HE ALWAYS FORGETS TO FEED IT. AS USUAL, I HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY." Grunted Papyrus.
"Oh I've heard of that. People using their imagination to have rocks as pets. Never thought of Sans to be that type. Does he have friends?" Alice asked.
"I THINK SO… HE'S VERY POPULAR AT GRILLBY'S AND HE MEETS A LOT OF PEOPLE AS A SENTRY… THEN AGAIN WITH THE WAY HE TAKES NAPS I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF HE NAPS THROUGH A CONVERSATION. THAT DOESN'T TEND TO GO WELL…" Papyrus seemed to be giving a deep insight.
"He really is quite lax. I think he's got wonderful manners though… so what exactly is this device?" Alice asked pointing to the rectangular machine.
"WHY ALICE! YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN A TELEVISION BEFORE?! DID YOU SURVIVE ON IMAGINATION ALONE?!" Papyrus gasped, putting his hands to his face.
"Television? Hmm… that does sound curious. What is it?" Alice asked.
"WELL IT PLAYS ALL SORTS OF PRE-RECORDED SHOWS AND MOVIES. EVERYTHING FROM TEAR-JERKING DRAMAS TO MY FAVORITE GAME-SHOW! WANT TO SEE?"
"Well I suppose there's no harm in trying something new." Alice said as she pushed a button on the television.
In a flash, the screen of the television turned on in a bright flash of light and a scene played out as though it was happening in real time right in front of Alice. It did appear to be some sort of contest going on before it jumped to a series of words. "STAY TUNED FOR A NEW PROGRAM- MTT."
"MTT? What does that mean-"
"EEK! THIS IS NOT THE SHOW I HAD IN MIND! IT'S AWFUL! NOT AS GOOD AS IT USUALLY IS! DON'T JUDGE ME!" Papyrus exclaimed dramatically and quickly turned the television off, interrupting Alice in the process.
"... Well I don't even watch television so I'm not quite in the position to judge you." Alice admitted.
"THAT'S A RELIEF. WHAT DO YOU WATCH THEN?" Papyrus asked.
"Hmm… well I tend to often read books in my past-time, daydream, or play with my cat Dinah. I especially love fantasy as far as genres go. I've even come up with my own little world called Wonderland once." Alice answered.
"WONDERLAND? HMM… SOUNDS LIKE QUITE THE COUNTRY! WHAT DO THEY DO THERE?"
"They go about their daily lives much like you monsters do here in the Underground. They are a lot more bizarre and mad than you are though. They love to have tea parties, tell stories, give good advice, play croquet, hold a race, and all sorts of other activities." Alice replied with a smile.
"OOH A TEA PARTY?! UNDYNE LOVES TEA! I JUST KNOW YOU'LL GET ALONG FOR CERTAIN! NYEH HEH HEH!" Papyrus cheered optimistically, clearly gleeful to know that from Alice.
"Oh she is? I'll keep that in mind. Maybe we could have a nice discussion over a cup of tea." Alice said as she noticed something on the floor.
There on the floor lied a dirty sock with a series of notes on it. Curious, Alice thought and realized she much prefered having her thoughts be free to herself as opposed to when Chara took over. She looked at the notes carefully and saw it was an exchange between Sans and Papyrus. "SANS! PLEASE PICK UP YOUR SOCK! ok. DON'T PUT IT BACK DOWN! MOVE IT! ok. YOU MOVED IT TWO INCHES! MOVE IT TO YOUR ROOM! ok. AND DON'T BRING IT BACK! ok. IT'S STILL HERE! didn't you just say not to bring it back to my room? FORGET IT!' Alice chuckled to herself after reading this. It seemed these two skeleton brothers were not much different from human brothers but it was clear their love for one another shined brightly. After reading this, Alice decided to look into the kitchen.
"Hmm… I've seen that before." Alice remarked when she recognized a device as one she saw in Toriel's kitchen.
It was big and stood next to an absurdly tall sink with a big cabinet door. There was also a long counter and a stove, as well as a simple trash can to the corner of the kitchen. Alice did never find out what it was called so she wondered if Papyrus could explain it. Out of curiosity she peered into the trash can to see what was in it. Papyrus saw this and remarked,
"THAT'S THE TRASH CAN. FEEL FREE TO VISIT IT AT ANY TIME."
Alice simply smiled in an embarrassed way before she turned to the stove. This triggered another response from Papyrus,
"MY BROTHER ALWAYS GOES OUT TO EAT. BUT… RECENTLY, HE TRIED 'BAKING' SOMETHING. IT WAS LIKE… A QUICHE. BUT FILLED WITH A SUGARY, NON-EGG SUBSTANCE. HOW ABSURD!"
"So you both cook then?" Alice asked.
"MORE SO ME THAN SANS BUT SANS IS THE BEST TASTE-TESTING BROTHER THE GREAT PAPYRUS COULD HOPE FOR! STILL, ONE TIME HE SWITCHED THE TOMATO SAUCE ON MY SPAGHETTI WITH KETCHUP! HE'S ALWAYS SUCH A JOKESTER!" Papyrus recounted joyfully.
Alice found that rather interesting. From what the nightmare she had told her, Sans was capable of being extremely serious and even formidable yet was always so goofy and upbeat. Papyrus on the other hand was also goofy and upbeat in his own way and while he had beaten Alice, he certainly didn't have Sans' killer instincts. It made Alice wonder how much either of them knew about the other. Did Papyrus for instance know Sans was capable of killing? It seemed right now Papyrus didn't know about Sans 'hidden mercilessness. That's probably for the best… Alice decided. Next, Alice turned to her attention to the giant sink.
"Now why is your sink so tall Papyrus? I mean it's taller than the thing right next to it," Alice said, pointing at each of them to compare.
"NYEH HEH HEH! WHY MY DEAR HUMAN, IT IS SO I CAN PUT MORE BONES INTO IT! TAKE A LOOKSY!" Papyrus exclaimed.
Alice shrugged her shoulders and opened the door to find a cute white dog chomping down on a single bone. In fact, it looked like the same dog that had been caught up in the Gauntlet from earlier. Alice smiled to see such a cute creature again though seeing that it did have a bone in its mouth, realized it may have taken away the many bones Papyrus had presumably stored in the sink. Papyrus noticed too and his eyes went wide. He pointed at the dog shouting,
"WHAT!? CATCH THAT MEDDLING CANINE!
Unfortunately the dog was alarmed quickly to Papyrus's call and dashed out of the kitchen with a significant head start. Alice did make an attempt to chase after it but the dog escaped through the front door with the bone.
"Oh dear. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance Papyrus." Alice apologized humbly.
"CURSES!" Papyrus lambasted this turn of events.
At that moment, the sound of a door opening could be heard from the upstairs floor. Then a musical and rich sound of a musical instrument being played was heard. Upon listening more closely to it, Alice identified the instrument as a trombone… Oh I think I know who's playing it in that case, Alice giggled to herself as she realized the skeleton pun within that choice. After rushing to the stairs to look up at who it was, she saw that it was indeed Sans playing the trombone from a door to the furthest right of the floor. There was also another door on the left that had a lot of papers and signs attached to the door and a painting of a bone in between them. Sans then retreated to his room, but not before winking at Alice playfully as though saying he had done it with her in mind. Alice then observed something peculiar peeking through the bottom crack of San's room, color-shifting lights that appeared to be flames. Alice wasn't even sure what to react to first but Papyrus did,
"SANS! STOP PLAGUING MY LIFE WITH INCIDENTAL MUSIC!"
"... I didn't… know he played an instrument also." Alice said sheepishly as she felt a bit of blush coming to her cheeks.
"OH YOU HAVE NO IDEA… HE'S ALWAYS WELL-EQUIPPED TO MAKE A JOKE OUT OF ANYTHING. ANYWAYS HUMAN. I WANT YOU TO COME TO MY ROOM! SINCE YOU ARE STAYING THE NIGHT I MUST MAKE SURE THAT AS A GUEST OF MY HOUSE, YOU ARE COMFORTABLE." Papyrus offered courtesly.
"Really? Why thank you then Papyrus. I must say I am interested in seeing your room. You have such a bold style of your own." Alice said as she shook off her flustered demeanor and remembered to behave properly.
"INDEED. NOW LET US BARGE IN!" Papyrus rushed up the stairs, led Alice to the front of the door, and opened it for her.
Alice hadn't a clue before entering the room on what to expect so she was definitely astounded and impressed by what she saw. She saw the same carpeting of the living room but it had a beautiful purple rug outlined with a flame design in the middle of the room. There was a cardboard box filled with bones to one corner of the room, a closet door, a table with some rather complex machinery on it, a big bookcase filled with books much like the ones in the library, a magnificent jolly roger flag suitable for a play about pirates, a table filled with what looked like dolls that appeared to be of a more sturdy material, and an incredible bed that looked like some sort of low and slender vehicle. The bad news is that it seemed to be filled with a lot of futuristic stuff which would confuse Alice to no end. The good news is that it looked magnificent together and really seemed to say a lot about Papyrus's character. Alice looked at the bones first and realized some of these looked familiar.
"HEY, THOSE ARE ALL THE ATTACKS I USED ON YOU. GREAT MEMORIES, HUH? SEEMS LIKE IT WAS ONLY YESTERDAY… EVEN THOUGH IT BASICALLY JUST HAPPENED. NEVER GOT TO USE THE SPECIAL ATTACK EITHER… AH WELL, NOW THAT YOU ARE MY FRIEND I CAN SHOW YOU GREATER THINGS ALICE." Papyrus explained.
"I-I don't think I would've been able to survive a special attack so I am very relieved to hear that Papyrus." Alice confessed.
"SURVIVE? IT WASN'T MEANT FOR DIRE HARM, IT WAS MEANT TO ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE YOU!" Papyrus clarified.
Alice looked amused by that answer and turned to the strange machines on the desk. She had no idea what they were called and decided to ask Papyrus.
"Err… Papyrus? I'm not too familiar with machinery so could you please tell me what this is?"
"OH! YOU MEAN THE COMPUTER?! WELL ALICE, I FEEL THE DEEPEST SENSE OF PITY FOR YOU. THIS REVOLUTIONARY DEVICE HAS ACCESS TO THE ONE AND ONLY INTERNET! YOU CAN SEARCH UP ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING AND BECOME A SUPERSTAR! I MYSELF AM QUITE POPULAR THERE. I'M JUST A DOZEN AWAY… FROM A DOUBLE DIGIT FOLLOWER COUNT. OF COURSE, FAME HAS A STEEP PRICE. A JEALOUS TROLL HAS BESIEGED MY ONLINE PERSONA. ALWAYS SENDING ME BAD PUNS IN A GOOFY FONT…" Papyrus spoke animatedly.
"Oh yes, I remember you telling me about the Internet before. So is this device designed to access it then?" Alice asked remembering when it had been brought up when Alphys was discussed.
"YES. IT ACTUALLY ACCESSED IT FIRST AND THEN PHONES CAME AROUND AFTER TO JOIN THE INTERNET KINGDOM. PERHAPS I COULD LOOK SOMETHING UP FOR YOU?" Papyrus asked.
"Hmm… nothing comes to mind at the moment but thank you for offering." Alice said.
The Internet clearly must've been one of the most important future human inventions seeing how it was so commonly used and described so fondly of here in the Underground. Alice wasn't sure if she would ever use it though as she did prefer going out of her way to speak to people in person and that she was still intimidated by such advancements. Furthermore there were more important matters on her mind than playing around on a computer. Turning to the bookcase, she noticed two books in particular that caught her eye. "Advanced Puzzle Construction for Critical Minds" which sounded like a guide to creating puzzles and riddles like the ones Papyrus had made her solve earlier. Then there was a whimsical and beautifully illustrated children's book called "Peek-A-Boo with Fluffy Bunny." Both of them were very different yet, Alice knew they were probably books Papyrus was quite fond of.
"So Papyrus, can you explain the story behind this pirate flag?" Alice asked as she looked towards it.
"YOU KNOW WHAT THAT FLAG IS?! WOW! UNDYNE FOUND IT AT THE BAY! IT MADE ME BELIEVE THAT HUMANS DESCENDED FROM SKELETONS!" Papyrus grinned as he gave his theory.
"Well not exactly. See, skeletons compose the human body's physical structure and then there's a layer of skin over it that protects the skeleton. Other features like muscles, blood, and physical features combine and contribute in order to create a living human being. Now as for this flag, it's a pirate flag. Traditionally they would use the skull and crossbones as a symbol of danger and that they were menacing and merciless. After all, when humans die they decompose into skeletons so pirates who used a skeleton on their flag suggested they would kill those who crossed their path." Alice explained as she entered another thinking pose.
"T-THAT… WAS BEAUTIFUL… YOU ARE AMAZING HUMAN! I NEVER WOULD'VE THOUGHT OF THAT. I BET UNDYNE WOULD LOVE BEING A PIRATE THEN! SHE'S VERY MENACING." Papyrus looked on the verge of happy tears much to Alice's embarrassment.
"I can't say I agree or disagree with that since I haven't met her…" Alice chuckled a bit as she turned to the table of dolls next.
"AH, YES, ACTION FIGURES. A GREAT REFERENCE FOR THE THEORETICAL BATTLE SCENARIOS. HOW DO I HAVE SO MANY? WELL, LET'S JUST SAY THEY'RE FROM… A CHUBBY, SMILING MAN WHO LOVES TO SURPRISE PEOPLE."
"... Well given the circumstances is it Santa? I know that the people in Snowdin do believe in him." Alice offered.
"YES! EXACTLY! SANTA!" Papyrus cheered proudly.
I wonder who this Santa is, Alice thought, or at least the person who gives the gifts out initially. Sans was one candidate for being Santa given the size and smiling description but what if it was someone Alice hadn't met yet? Alice decided she needed further information before theorizing about someone who could be all but fictional. It was also a bit of random nonsense that wasn't truly important at the moment. The last notable feature of Papyrus's room was that incredible vehicle bed so Alice asked about it,
"What's the reasoning behind this bed Papyrus?"
"WELL IT'S ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE SHOULD I EVER GET TO THE SURFACE TO DRIVE DOWN A LONG HIGHWAY. WIND IN MY HAIR… SUN ON MY SKIN… OF COURSE, THAT'S ONLY A DREAM. SO INSTEAD I CRUISE WHILE I SNOOZE." Papyrus replied.
"Hehehe… very funny. So is this really what vehicles in the future look like? It seems like it'd be awfully cold with the interior exposed like this though it also seems faster than a simple carriage." Alice observed.
"IT CAN CONVERT ITSELF TO CLOSE IN AND PROTECT THE INTERIOR SHOULD IT SNOW OR HAIL OR RAIN COOKIE CATS AND HOT DOGS." Papyrus said.
"Very impressive. I knew humans had the will to do anything but to see them progress this far is outstanding."
"YES BUT I MUST APOLOGIZE THAT OUR TIME TOGETHER FOR TODAY IS UP. IT IS VERY LATE AND I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU. SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP YOU SLEEP COMFORTABLY!" Papyrus ended the conversation and went into his closet looking for something.
Despite the nap from earlier, Alice was indeed a bit tired from the cozy environment of the house and from expelling and dealing with Chara. So a good night's sleep seemed very inviting, especially with Papyrus and Sans sleeping alongside her. So she stood and waited patiently as Papyrus fumbled with different things inside his closet. In a matter of moments, Papyrus exclaimed with joy as he found what he had been looking for. He turned to Alice and held out two different things. One was a simple fur blanket in a wintery shade of white and the other was a bit more interesting. It appeared to be a doll of sorts done in exquisite and charming detail. It was a short and slender black mouse with a cream face, a big black nose, black eyes, white gloves and big yellow shoes. It was also wearing red short overalls with big white buttons. It's long, black mouse tail and happy expression seemed very delightful to Alice and it would've been something she'd like to have with her as she slept.
"This mouse is adorable! Do you know it's name?" Alice asked as she took both the blanket and the doll graciously.
"NOT REALLY… I FOUND IT SOME TIME AGO LYING IN THE SNOW AND I FELT BAD FOR IT SO… I GAVE IT A HOME HERE IN MY CLOSET. PROBABLY THE ONLY SKELETON IN MY CLOSET REALLY. I HOPE IT CAN KEEP YOU COMPANY! NOW, I WILL ESCORT YOU TO YOUR BED." Papyrus said with an elegant gesture.
Turns out the bed in Papyrus's mind was the couch downstairs in the living room since there were no other beds for Alice to sleep on. The couch itself was a bit jingly with some stray G under the cushions but once Alice collected those, laid down, and was tucked in by Papyrus, it definitely felt like a worthy bed. Alice hugged the mouse doll tightly as it was made of a very soft material and Papyrus kissed Alice gently on her forehead like a nurturing father figure.
"GOOD NIGHT ALICE. SEE YOU TOMORROW." He said quietly and sweetly as he turned off the lights.
"... Good night my curious friend." Alice said as she yawned and began to drift into dreamland.
For all that was worth, her dream that night was very pleasant compared to the last two. Nothing ominous or having 'Alice' present, just a simple and fun tea party with Sans and Papyrus. Perhaps this wonderful dream was a sign of how excited Alice was for tomorrow. After all, she had a very important date with Papyrus. It was in her best interests not to be late and she couldn't wait.
To Be Continued...
