When Papyrus returned inside, he was greeted with Aliza.
"Can we...go to the...garden?" The girl asked. "Metta said...to ask you."
The skeleton glanced over at his counterpart. Who was presently getting his jacket on. While Chara was doing much the same.
"Thought you two were watchin a show?" He asked.
"Chara wants to...show me how to-" She hummed. "make a thing."
"A thing?" He snickered. "Those are all the rage now a days."
"T-the flowers..uhm...like, you put them...together, and..." Aliza couldn't think of the words to articulate the concept.
Thankfully, her counterpart spoke up. "Flower necklace."
"That!" Aliza smiled, asking. "So...can we?"
Papyrus made a loud hum of thought, and glanced at Metta. His partner shrugging some. Well, it was good to get fresh air now and then. Besides, it would keep the kids busy for a moment while he talked with the robotic man about what to do next.
Papyrus shrugged. "I don't see why not." He glanced. "You okay with that, love?"
Metta tugged the ends of his loose jacket. "I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, darling."
The two set about-
The laboratory was quiet, save for the clicking and typing of...wait a minute. We weren't...what? What just happened?
Snow fell outside the building being used as a laboratory for the present royal scientist. A short skeleton named Sans. But you know that already.
He was sitting inside the space, which was...a little bit less cluttered and messy than it was before. His eyes scanning over the screen of his large monitor. An open file beside him, typing now and then, while doing a lot of clicking with his mouse.
The screen was displaying a lot of seemingly random things. Feeds from throughout the underground, including Golden Grove City. Alongside scanned version of the documents at his side. Giving him the ability to look them over on the screen. Clicking through pages, reading quickly, and continuing.
There was name, crossed out with black ink, as to the individual running the experiments being examined. Four experiments, to be precise. One listed as 'Artificial Soul Construction' open on the left. 'Vessel Project' open on the right. 'Timeline Anomalies' on the top. With 'Determination Extraction' beside it.
It appeared that the last of those projects, had a secondary file with it. Indicating that work on the project had been resumed and continued, before being shut down. All by a certain skeleton, frantically looking things over.
The files on artificial souls seemed to indicate the process one being was seeking in doing precisely that. Attempting to mold a soul, to function similar to a human one. Though, the pages stated what while a 'shell' could be created, it lacked emotion. It lacked a range of capability, and required something to 'bind' the emotions in place. With several...things being suggested to fix that.
Powerful bonding agents. More like virus's on the code of a being, than anything beneficial. Fear, Despair...Hate. The last visible line indicating that the souls perished each time regardless. And that a 'host' might be needed to incubate them for... The rest was cut off, on some other unopened page.
The Vessel Project had indication it was attempted, and seen before. With notes from someone who wrote in a lazy, goofy font on the side. Linking it to another project. However, it had images within. Faintly visible, of a child, bound somewhere dark. Like a cell, with eyes covered, bleeding ink through the leather.
There was a note that 'two' subjects had been created. With a note indicating 3 were present in cell. Alongside a text stating they had to be kept away from other children for fear of spreading. And notes regarding termination attempts by the skeleton. The rest of the details not visible any further.
The files on Determination Extraction, were almost all concealed. With only the note of it being re-opened, and closed visible.
The file on timelines was a massive collection of calculations, and points of reference. Dates, and times from well before the beings tenure began. To the scientist before him. With a few details suggesting an interest in 'exploring' these alternate universes from said being.
None of these things were, by themselves that interesting to the skeleton. What was, however, was a fifth detail. Something that he was checking, rechecking, and comparing with the various files. A file that he had made. Called 'creatures' which included study notes of many different 'failures.'
When comparing details, he examined the monitor, and the image of one Chara Dreemurr. Shadows spreading through the laboratory. Moving into the fearful parts of his mind.
He-
The four beings had descended down from the apartment. And were presently relaxing in the garden. With...how? How did...never mind. It won't happen again, I don't care. Let's...refocus.
There was a purple light shining in the space. Marking the first save point in quite awhile. Then again, it was a moment of familiarity, and stability. Taking flowers, weaving them together. Ensuring it would work well, before sliding the necklace onto Aliza. It rested atop her scarf, and was similarly made of a few different colored flowers.
Aliza blinked, and looked at the tangled mess of flowers in her hands. "S-so, I just...I don't get it."
Chara snickered. "Okay...just, do as I do, okay. It took me awhile, myself."
She began doing her best to repeat the process, only slower. It wasn't as easy as it looked, at least in her opinion. And she'd only really gotten decent at it, after repeated practice, over a length of time. But that's just how it was with things. As she went, she began to hum along with the faint memory of a song.
While the two were working on their project, Metta, and Papyrus were speaking. Making sure they were out of earshot as they did so. It was a...delicate subject after all. For many reasons.
Metta inquired. "And we're sure helping her locate Toriel is a wise idea?" He hesitated. "Darling, I...appreciate the sentiment. I do. However, there are a few reasons, I forsee that being a potentially negative thing."
"I know, but-" Papyrus began.
"Toriel, is the single spearhead against the creatures of the dark. She does more than any of us. More than the King, even." Metta commented. "I...can't imagine how she'd respond to meeting Chara again. However, were it positive, do you imagine she'd wish to continue her fight?" He asked. "Or, perhaps it would only be a vulnerability they could exploit."
"So you don't think we should?" The skeleton replied.
"I'm not...saying that." The robot sighed. "I don't think we have a right to stop her. It's just...complicated..."
That was certainly one way of putting it. Metta had been mulling it over since he was informed of the situation. The late princess of the underground was up wandering around. The 'how' of it all, was...a question he simply didn't have a way of answering.
Further, trying to gather the information, on Papyrus's part, had led to a mental breakdown. One that, didn't seem to be affecting the child nearly as badly today. But, perhaps that was a ruse.
Notably, in their time fighting the creatures of the dark, there had been rumors. Some monsters claimed that among the various creatures, the twisted horrors, there was something else. Something that looked like children. That was the debate, but one lacking evidence.
However, thus far, Chara hadn't proven to be all that threatening. Seeking to reconfirm something, he motioned, and performed a |Check| on the girl. Both had done so before. But, he wanted to see if the information would change, if the girl was distracted with something.
|Chara - ATK 6 DEF 8| |A Lost Child| |Wants to go home|
Notably, they had deduced that the higher than normal stats were attributed to the gear more than anything else. The bat, and the coat. Notably, said bat had been dragged along with them. Chara was insistent about not leaving it behind. Seemingly a little paranoid of the prospect of violence, even if the city was peaceful to their knowledge. Or, more than elsewhere at least.
"I get that." Papyrus commented, adding. "Kids not innocent. But...I don't think she's one of those creatures." He commented. "Besides, they have souls. Big creature disqualifier right there."
The creatures, the ones most known, were after power. Soul-power, to be specific. It was why humans were meant to be directed to the king. If one ever got ahold of a human soul...it would be the death of everyone in the underground.
"That is wonderfully fair..." Metta sighed.
Before their conversation could continue a form rushed into the garden area. A certain monster bearing a single large eye and a mustache. Looking around, before noticing the duo. He briefly glanced at the kids, giving a friendly little wave, despite the visible sweat, and tense expression. Before hurrying over to whisper something to the pair.
"Isn't that ?" Aliza asked.
"Yup." Chara raised a brow. "He looks nervous."
"Maybe...he has a cold?" Aliza suggested, having partially finished her flower necklace. "Oh...darn it."
Chara turned back to the other girl. She had accidently wound things too tight, and broke the chain. The girl smiled a little at the sight. She had done that...a lot, and understood the feeling well.
"That's okay. You'll get the hang of it." Chara assured. "It just takes a little practice is all."
There was a set of steps approaching. Papyrus had wandered over. And had a forced smile on his face, the purple-eyed girl could tell. Whatever it was, wasn't good news.
Papyrus spoke. "Hey. Hate to break your daisy-chain of thought." He punned. "But uh, me and Metta have to go briefly."
Aliza asked. "Why?"
"Something came up." He answered vaguely. "So, I..." He recalled his past failing. "listen, I need you both to stay here okay?"
Chara asked. "Is it bad?"
"It'll be fine." He assured. "Just a little...unexpected clean up." He explained. "Look, we'll be back before too long, okay?" He noted. "I'm sorry we can't...stick around. Just, it'll be a bit."
Aliza felt confused. "Weren't we...supposed to be...leaving soon?"
"Yeah." Papyrus replied. "We'll see what we can do. Just, can I ask you both to please...stay here?" He asked. "Or, hell, I'll..." He took out a key. "why don't you both go head up to the apartment for a bit. Maybe." He winked somehow. "It'll get boring, just sitting here, after all."
Chara felt the tension in the moment. Something was happening. Something dangerous, and unwelcome. But she knew he wouldn't say what.
She spoke. "Okay." And took the key. "We'll see you both in a bit, right?"
"Absolutely kiddo." He shrugged. "Maybe grab a bit to eat while you're there. It's almost lunch time, after all."
Metta spoke up. "We need to go darling." He glanced to the kids. "We'll...be back before you know it okay?"
Those words inspired dread in Chara. Hit that little memory. Played with that grim expectation that loomed whenever she met people she liked.
Aliza replied. "Okay?" She hummed. "You'll...be safe right?"
It seemed even Aliza had noticed it was something dangerous. But of course she had. She'd heard people when they were about to do something potentially hazardous. The little voice they got, assuring others it would be okay. It was always the same. Monster of Human, apparently.
"Of course, darling." Metta assured.
Papyrus started to head out. "Just relax for a bit. And no worries. Ain't nothing that can't be handled." He gave a slight wave. "Later kiddos."
Metta added. "Until our next fabulous show, darlings."
Aliza spoke a quiet. "Bye...see you...soon?"
Chara glanced to the side. "Later."
And with that, the trinity of older monsters had headed out. To go and deal with something unfolding beyond the city walls. As strange creatures moved through the forests, even in daylight. Gazing out from the shadows, ready to confront the guardians sent to stop them.
But, for the girls, the world had gotten quieter. And their little moment of calm, suddenly felt eerie and tense. They sat there for a moment, the key between them. Debating their next actions.
Chara inquired. "Do you...wanna go back to the apartment?"
"W-we should...right?" Aliza asked.
"Or, maybe we go explore the city." Chara suggested. "Since, I'm guessing, we can't leave yet?"
"Papyrus asked us to stay though." Aliza noted. "Right?"
"Yeah. I guess, you can if you wanna." Chara gave her the key. "I...don't wanna just sit...I wanna do stuff. Ya know?"
"I guess that makes sense." Aliza sighed. "It's...probably safer, right?"
"If someone unsafe comes along, I'll bonk it on the head with Whisper, and it'll be fine." Chara shrugged, getting to her feet.
"Whisper?" Aliza asked.
"Er...I-" Chara hesitated.
Whisper quickly suggested. "Named my bat?" With, only her hearing that.
"Named my bat." Chara repeated externally.
"That was a good save." Whisper sighed.
"Yeahup." Chara nodded.
Aliza smiled some. "You named your bat?"
"I mean, sure. All legendary weapons need names." Chara reasoned. "It's the rule."
"Mhm." Aliza snickered.
"D-don't laugh...dork. I'm serious, it's a thing." Chara placed a hand on her hip. "It's how it works, n stuff."
"Where'd you learn that?" Her counterpart asked.
"Uh..." Chara thought about the many books, comic books, tv, and radio shows she'd experienced. "I...researched it." She crossed her arms. "Ya know, I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty knowledgeable."
Aliza laughed some at the declaration. She didn't offer a verbal response, but seemed rather amused. Getting up from her spot, dusting her knees off in the process. Taking off the flower necklace, before wandering over to place it on a low hanging tree branch, for the big central tree in the apartment gardens.
Chara watched, and asked. "Is that...a yes to like...exploring or?"
Aliza wandered over quietly. Stopping in front of her counterpart. Her orange eyes meeting the purple ones. Squinting, staring for a moment.
"Dork." Aliza commented, before starting on.
"E-eh." Chara glanced. "H-hey." She got a little red in the face. "I'm the one who says dork. You can't...do the thing."
"I think I can." Aliza replied, looking a bit confident.
"Dweeb." Chara sighed, while following after her.
The duo setting off to the explore the city a little further. At least until they could depart from it. And, or, until the monsters came back from their excursion.