It took some time for Toriel to arrive home. A bit out of breath, from running there. But she shook that off, and kept to her present goal.
Moving up the tunnel, and into her home, she began tearing apart section after section. Searching from the kitchen, the the living room, and then back through the other rooms. Even briefly going into the spare room, just in case.
She had been surprised for a moment to find so many clothes tossed around in her bedroom. Wagering that Chara must have changed her outfit, when she was getting the jacket. She was thankful at least, that her daughter had dressed appropriately for the weather.
It would be a little bit of time, but she eventually became certain it wasn't in her home. Checking the front door, finding it was still locked. Which meant it likely hadn't been stolen from it either. Which was a little worrying, and relieving in tandem.
Toriel began her pacing, thinking. Searching her mind for anywhere else it may have gone to, she wondered if she even had it when she was leaving. She swore she'd checked in in the forest, while waiting for Sans. Was that just in her mind? It had to be, she'd looked around for it. It wasn't there.
Then again, she had made a brief trip to Old Home before leaving. To take, and then bring back cleaned laundry. Did she drop it there? The thought prompted some anxiety. If it was there, was it even going to be possible to get it back, or had someone made off with it?
"Okay...okay, it'll be okay." She assured herself, briefly glancing at a full bottle of wine. "Sans will be here, eventually. Though...they'll probably have to walk back." She began to bite at her fingernails. "Could she have gotten that far?"
Her mind began playing scenarios of what might have happened to her child. Playing over many horrific scenarios. Playing over...familiar, scenarios. Anxiety reaching peak levels. Unsustainable. Her desire for the phone growing. She wanted to go run after them, but if she just had the phone...she concluded she must have left it at Old Home. Maybe it fell from her pocket?
Moving back to the kitchen, she reacquired her robes. Chastising herself for leaving them there. Tossing off her jacket, onto the living room chair, while slipping the robes back on over her hoodie. Safety was always a priority while present in Old Home. Most monsters knew to behave, but there was always at least one person dumb enough to test their luck.
She wagered it would either be the teenagers, the former castle guard with the crab hands, or maybe the strange tiger. Equipped with the robes, she put the hood up, and headed out her front door. She needed to be quick. No distractions.
As soon as she was outside, she was surprised to see a Froggit. It was...very uncommon for one to dare tread near her home. Her expression turning to annoyance, as she locked her door behind her.
"Ribbit, ribbit." The Frog ribbited, translating to. "Is the human in the ruins, yours?"
"Hmm?" Toriel raised a brow, and glared. "Do you have a problem with my child?"
"Croak, grug, ribbit." The Frog replied. "Surprisingly no. They were quite friendly. Well mannered. Strangely flirty."
"What?" She sighed. "Uhm, fantastic...out of curiosity, have you seen my phone?"
"Croak." It said. "No."
"Very well. I have places to be, and I don't have time to deal with you right now." She said, stepping past it. "Just...don't eat my flowers. Please and thank you."
While walking she made a mental note, to talk with Chara about flirting with the Froggits. She was far too young to be flirting with random monsters. Though, she wagered Chara was just trying to be silly, it didn't really matter. She sighed, noting she'd need to break out her old notes on human behavior, assuming she still had the folder.
The Froggit watched her go. Once she was gone, it hopped over, stopping next to, and then eating one of the flowers that hadn't yet withered. Looking utterly pleased in the process.
Toriel headed down, hooking around the corner. She tried to recall the knock she was meant to give, but that thought was ground to a halt. She came to the path which either forked to the left, leading to the balcony overlooking Old Home, or the hidden door straight ahead.
She paused, surprised to see that said hidden path was already opened. Her mind briefly going to the doorman, who was meant to keep it closed. The doorway lying directly ahead of her, usually concealed by a mechanism meant for its defense.
She sighed, stepping over. "I was under the impression this was meant to be closed?"
She heard a chuckle from behind the door. "Oh, welcome back Miss Toriel. Sorry about that. Just enjoyin the breeze."
Once inside, she turned her focus to the guard stationed at the side of it. Presently sitting, with a donut in his hand. A rotund cat monster, with a balding head, and a nice beard. To her surprise, his usually grim demeanor had been replaced. A genuine smile was on his face.
"I think that's the first time you've not sworn at me." Toriel noted. "Or called me any number of colorful profanities."
He scratched his ear. "It is?" He sighed. "Hey, listen, about all that. I've been under a lot of general stress lately. Ya know?" He sighed. "You've done a lot for folks, and didn't deserve that. I'm sorry."
An honest sounding apology wasn't what she had anticipated in the slightest. It left her immediately skeptical. Sneaking a glance from beneath her hood, at the space around them. Her good eye scanning for any possible traps, or hidden individuals intending some form of ambush.
"Uhm...well, yes. I suppose so?" She half-asked. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Honestly, I'm fine." He said. "First time I've felt fine in a little while, ya know?" He chuckled a sad chuckle. "Some strange monster, I think, came by. Wound up chattin for awhile. Really raised my spirits a bit." He sighed. "I guess, ya know, sometimes ya just need to talk things out with someone."
Toriel wasn't entirely certain what had transpired, nor was she certain how to process...whatever was going on. On one hand, she was pleased to see the shift in demeanor. She wanted to encourage it. On the other hand, she was cautious at it, prepared for the prospect of duplicity.
And so, she gave a cautious thumbs-up. He returned it, and closed the door. Finishing off the donut.
"Well..you have a nice day then?" She started to walk. "Er, this may be a long shot, but have you seen my phone by chance?" She gestured with her hand. "About ye high, and this wide?" She hummed. "It has a uh, bunch of bones in the shape of...a heart, on the back?"
The last part left her feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Sorry boss. Last time I saw somethin like that, was when you were talkin on it earlier." He recalled. "Or, tryin to call, I guess, when you came through with laundry." He explained. "If ya lost it somewhere, I can call it maybe?"
"That's quite alright. But...thank you?" She said, moving on. "Without knowing where it's been lost, that may not be very helpful. But...again, thank you."
"Of course...you uh, just let me know. Good luck." He gave a slight wave.
"You too?" She half-asked, while continuing.
That had made the second odd encounter of the day, beyond her initial one with Chara. The change in tone, the lack of hostility, and presence of a bit of pleasant commentary was...peculiar to her. Toriel wasn't sure what had gotten into everyone, not that she was complaining. It was a nice change of pace, that she'd love to have more time to explore, if she had it.
Heading down the hall she hooked left to the stairs. Her attention falling on a couple of teenagers, who were sitting on a bench talking. They were recognized immediately, and inspired reluctance in her mind. They were part of a group that she was all to familiar with. Troublemakers, and tormenters. One glancing up at her, stepping up from the seat. She expected them to cause grief, recalling their various acts of mockery. And their more recent...offense, to her being.
Before she could speak to dismiss them, she received the words. "H-hey, uhm, before you uh...say anything. I'm sorry."
"Pardon?" She glanced.
The serpentine teenager let out a sigh. "I'm-we treated you pretty badly and..." He spoke, quiet, looking shameful. "So, I'm ssorry."
The second added, a large eyed monster added. "Honestly...we were uh...taking out some stuff on you. T-that wasn't fair. And uh, it was...real shitty of us." He glanced away. "It wasn't right to do."
Toriel hesitated some. Looking them over, waiting for a punch-line, or some mean spirited thing to occur. But, it didn't.
"I...appreciate the apology." She muttered, quietly examining them. "I can't quite...forgive what you two said and did, though." They looked more guilty. "That dummy...you and your friends made. That was the cruelest thing anyone has done to me, in a very...very long time." They didn't respond, just appearing to accept the judgement. "But...I appreciate the apology. I hope you can both do better."
She didn't stick around to ask about their change of heart, though she was glad to see it. Further, when nothing happened in the aftermath, as she continued on, she let her hood down. Down the steps, leading to the entrance to Old Home. The distant smell of foods, the sound of faint music carrying across the ruins. It usually inspired some dread, but, perhaps...if things were going this well, then she'd find her phone in no time.
As she approached, she was surprised to see someone starting to straighten out the sign to Old Home. A thing that was usually torn down, damaged, or battered by whatever hooligan was committed to stopping its repairs. Today, however, it seemed that it was finally being put back up. An older bear monster doing so, while standing atop a normally rickety ladder. A rock having been placed near the base, to keep it steady.
Seeing her, the monster gave a friendly wave.
"Well hello there Toriel." He greeted. "Ain't you a lovely sight for these old eyes."
"Well, aren't you a charmer. Good morning, Mister Grey." She glanced back, the usual troublemakers still on the bench. "Did they hassle you today?"
"Oh sure. They caused some grief round morning time." He shrugged, the old bear chuckling. "But, strangest thing. They came'n brought me supplies to fix the sign. Sayin sorry'n such."
"I'm very glad to hear that." She noted, adding. "They appear to have had some change of heart...which is good, I believe." She sighed. "I'm sorry to ask, and I'd try and help, but have you seen my phone?" She laughed nervously. "I'm in a bit of hurry, trying to find it."
"Eh?" He hummed, thinking. "Not since ya came by earlier...did you leave it with your kid?"
Toriel winced some. "That news...has reached even here?"
"Hard to miss em, when they walk round flirting, and talkin to everyone." The old bear replied, nailing in a part of the sign. "Was very excited to meet new folks. Little odd, mind you. Nice kid though."
"I have to talk to her about the flirting, she really shouldn't...be..." She trailed some, tilting her head. "She came here?"
"Eh, uhm, well yeah. Been here for about an hour, I'd think. Chattin up everyone she can find." Grey said smilin. "Even made friends with a couple'a the kids, I think."
"What?" Toriel felt her heart pound for a moment. "Grey, where did you see her?"
The bear blinked, and looked around some. "Thought I saw her runnin around with a said wee ones. Told em not to venture to far round. She is uh, human right?"
"YES!" She exclaimed, adding. "Okay...uhm, well, thank you very much. I'll-" She started to glance around. "Which-"
"That way." He pointed. "Ya'll have a nice day, now."
"Thank you, thank you very much." Toriel laughed nervously, while hurrying along.
Well that wasn't expected. She was aware there were a few back entrances, and alternate paths into the ruins. Namely into Old Home. Most having forgotten about them by now. Shaking that, she turned her focus to Sans. Had he seriously brought Chara through the city?
Heading around a corner she glanced. What had he been thinking? She growled a little bit, noting internally that while she was pleased to hear the impact of her childs presence had been positive, she was far from happy with that action. The city was a dangerous place, and not everyone was reasonable, especially when a human was involved.
Her search around the city lasted a short time, checking around with the few people she knew had children. Not that there were that many in Old Home. Getting nothing from a few of them, save for confusion at her brief inquiry. Before she moved on.
Eventually coming to a home with a destroyed holiday wreath on the front of it. Knocking for a moment, she felt anxious as could be. The door creaking open, to a slovenly looking reindeer man. The monster raising a brow, while leaning on the frame. Reeking of alcohol, and cigarettes.
"Well, well. The 'Caretaker of the Ruins.' What'cha want Toriel?" He asked. "Nevermind, it's about the human, ain't it?"
"Yes. You uhm...you have a daughter, yes?" Toriel asked, unable to recall her name. "I wa-"
"I've still got one left, yeah." He scanned her, asking. "Why, you want a pet for that thing?"
"Pardon?" She sighed. "Holiday, I know things haven't been great for you...but I don't have the patience for whatever you're about to say." She warned. "So-"
"Ah c'mon, I saw em flirtin with that brat." He yawned, scratching his bare chest, wearing only a loose pair of pants. "I can probably part with her. For, I dunno, 50G?" She didn't know how to respond to that. "Be better off with you anyways, right?"
Toriel felt her mana boil at the suggestion. "I-I you...fucking-" Her eye twitched. "we'll talk about-" She motioned at him angrily. "this, later. Where are they?"
Mister Holiday shrugged. "I dunno. Think they were runnin round with that orphan brat...the uh, purple one." He gave a passive gesture. "Came and got something from the fridge...think they were headed to talk to that old guard fella you had round."
"The crab guard?" Toriel asked, her patience gone, as she yelled. "How could you let them play around, anywhere near him!?"
"I dunno, why did you hire the guy?" He asked back. "Everyone's at fault."
"My ability to feel bad for you, has bottomed out." She noted, angrily. "Tell me which direction they were headed RIGHT NOW-" Toriel threatened, eye twitching. "or I'll tear off your antlers."
He didn't respond, sept to smirk some. Appearing to care very little if she did kill, or maim him. After a moment, he yawned, and pointed in a direction. In this case, towards the old castle. A long-condemned building, that was far from safe.
"Have fun, and remember, 50G." He remarked, turning and closing the door.
Fire burned around her fingertips, raging in her eyes. She struggled not to respond by breaking down the door. However, there were more pressing things to attend to. She'd deal with him later. Turning, she sprinted off towards the old castle.
Reaching the location as fast as she could, she heard some talking coming up from ahead. Getting a faint view of the scene playing out at the top of the staircase. Or, at least, some of it.
She was able to make out the former guard, a large crab-man, with tattered old armor on. He had a wild look in his eyes, and was standing on front of at least two children, with red stains on his otherwise blue claws. The sight prompting her to struggle faster. Getting near enough to hear things being said.
"Who would ever pass up on an opportunity like this?" The former guard laughed darkly. "To be invincible."
One of the children spoke up, voice shaking in uncertainty. "H-hey...get away from her, i-if you don't...I'll...stop you?"
A second childs voice, a little more familiar adding. "You touch the human a-and I'll punch your face off!"
Reaching the top of the steps, she got a look over the situation playing out. The two girls where presently blocking the path of the crab monster. A small reindeer girl, wearing tattered clothes. And a dinosaur girl, wearing a dirty school uniform of some sort. Both appearing to be a bit injured, not unlike the final child her eyes went to.
The human child laying on the ground, bleeding. Struggling to get back up. The light from a soul shining, held tight in their hand. The larger monster, the former guard moving to strike at it. The attack swinging to go through the other two as well.
Her senses screamed, rage exploding. The roaring anger erupted forth, fire blasting. Catching those present by surprise. The burst of flame slamming into the attacking crab monster, knocking him back. Far, and hard, slamming against a nearby wall, looking shocked, and immediately terrified.
"How dare you." Toriel spoke, with utter malice in her words. "I'll turn you to dust for this."
The crab monster's expression became one of absolute dread, and terror. Letting out a little scream, while darting off. Diving off the ramp, as he fled, putting out the fire in the process.
Toriels heart pounded, eyes narrowed sharply making sure he left. They calmed, as she turned to the kids, replaced with alarm rather than hate. She noticed the girls trying to help the human up.. Hurrying over, the flames around her hands died out. Replaced with a spell she hadn't used in some time. A light healing warmth pouring into the human, the other two children taking a step back.
"A-are you okay, my child?" Toriel asked, turning the girl over to find, it wasn't Chara.
This new human had the red eyes she thought her daughter to originally have. But lacked many of the more notably features, entirely. The human child scanned Toriel over for a moment, before reaching up, and hugging her tightly, shaking violently. Toriel instinctively hugging back, while the other two girls looked her over.
"You aren't-" Toriel hesitated, pausing that thought. "shh, shh, you're alright now." She assured. "You're safe...it'll be okay." She glanced at the others. "Are you two alright?"
The two monster children seemed a bit taken aback. The purple girl falling to her knees, looking a bit anxious. The other taking a seat, while letting out a little huff.
"Y-yeah, I think." The dinosaur girl commented. "T-that was scary."
"M-maybe." The reindeer girl smiled some, her eyes obscured by her hair. "A-and uh...told you we'd be okay."
Toriel held the human child, still seething some. "What a terrible creature, to torture such innocent youth." She made a note to handle him later. "Here-" She motioned, healing the children. "that should help."
"Thanks...lady." The reindeer muttered. "Is...is the human okay?"
Toriel examined the human child, who looked up at her some. Dark hair, red eyes, and a battered blue, purple striped shirt. She hadn't...anticipated this encounter. Nor had she really planned to handle it. Especially given she had other, very important things to address. But, she couldn't just...ignore the girl. Especially with monsters like that around.
The girl assured Toriel she was okay.
"I'm very glad." She glanced at Holidays daughter, reminding herself to have a talk with him. "What are your names?"
"I'm...Suzy, Miss Toriel." The dinosaur girl answered hesitantly. "I..uhm, said hi to you...once."
"Noelle." The reindeer girl muttered. "She wouldn't remember that...nobody remembers us."
Well, if she wasn't already feeling awful, she was now. Namely as they weren't...specifically wrong about that. She didn't recall Suzy, really at all. And had forgotten Noelles name entirely. Shaking the thought for the moment, she added it to her list of...negative traits about herself.
"It's uhm...lovely to meet you both again. I'm sorry I forgot your names." Toriel apologized, while letting the human go from her hug. "And, what is your name, my child?"
There was a momentary pause. The humans seemingly neutral expression shifting. Forming a smile.
The girl answered. "Frisk."