In her life there had rarely been moments were the child sought a violent resolution to an encounter. Save when her bravery faltered in the face of fear. Brought about by injury, or the attempt to do so. And rarely did her efforts arise out of a desire to harm, rather, they manifested from a desire to persist and evade those that might harm her.
Into this, and into her present situation, she found there was something peculiar about brandishing a weapon of any real variety. Yet, here she was dressed in new clothing, carrying something something designed to hurt people. Though one might argue it was merely an emulation of a more dangerous thing. It was none-the-less, not something she might traditionally seek to carry on her person.
Before receiving it, however, Aliza had gotten herself into her new, non-bloody clothing. Using towels, and some kindly provided water to clean the blood staining much of her body. Leaving only traces of it, and some vague staining on her skin in some spaces.
Her new patchwork dress, bearing a dark coat draping over it that was notably too large for her being. She was thus forced to use the top buttons to keep it bound around her. As though it were some form of cloak. A rather mundane choice, that helped none-the-less.
However the situation regarding its acquisition and presence on her person, was a touch different than the baser outfit. Originally, she had selected the blue coat, as the one she would take with her. It simply seemed the more comfortable option, and she enjoyed wearing things that were colored and bright. Yet, the Non-Human had corrected this 'mistake.' Explaining it was an improper decision.
The woman had seen it, and gave a little laugh, saying. "Somehow you made an incorrect decision."
The girls inspired distress and confusion, resulting in the woman assuring her that it was alright. That she was going to be forgiven for her 'misdeed.' At which point she was given the dark coat, the woman believing it seemed more fitting somehow.
Poor Aliza was left feeling a guilt that she didn't comprehend. After all, she had somehow failed a test, without knowing it had been levied against her. The child struggling to register the thought that it was improper behavior on the part of the woman to suggest such a thing.
Further, she was given this weapon by the woman. Something she dubbed as the 'Toy Axe.' As it resembled one, and may well have been, or be one in some fashion. It was after all, seemingly made of some kind of hard plastic, at least the axe part of the axe was. The handle was wood, like any traditional axe handle might be.
She lacked any sort of sheath, or means to carry it in a comfortable fashion. And it was a little large for her to carry in merely one hand, without it dragging. Though she did her best to do so, not wanting to let the non-human down. The woman smiling in response, remarking that she was being a good girl, doing as she was told.
"I can tell the idea of carrying such a weapon is disconcerting." The Non-Human commented. "However, its imperative you are able to defend yourself."
"Why?" Aliza asked in concern.
"Sweetheart...there are monsters in these ruins. And while some may be more reasonable, like myself. I'm afraid that most will desire to do you harm." The Non-Human explained. "In such an instance, a fight may occur, and you may have to defend yourself from harm."
The concept of monsters sounded in some sense peculiar to her. And yet, she had seen many in her time on the surface. Strange beings that resembled humans, but acted erratically, and cruelly to one another. Like the laughing man who'd killed her grandmother.
With this in mind, she imagined the ones here may look different somehow. After all, she had envisioned this as hell. The thought of which, combined with the evidence and statement that the woman before her indeed wasn't human, inspired more distressing thoughts. Her mind began to imagine some of the most terrifying creatures she could imagine. All desperate to do her harm.
The girls heartbeat became an audible thing. The Non-Human snickering with a gentle evil, masquerading as some sympathetic assurance. Softly patting the girl on the head, as one might do a pet. With the same look in her eyes.
"Now now-" The woman smiled softly. "no need to be afraid. So long as I'm around, I'll do my best to intervene, and protect you." She added. "Though, you may have to fight on your own, at least one. Just so you know what you're doing, in case you find yourself separated from me. I'd hate for you to get hurt again, after all."
Aliza managed a. "Thank you."
The concept of engaging a monster in combative behavior alone was disconcerting. Yet, she attempted to remain brave in the face of such a concept. Burying the idea, as best she could from her mind. Hoping, beyond hope, that it would never come to pass.
"Of course, sweetheart. Now, we must get started on our way." The woman indicated. "It's important we get you home, and that requires heading to get Chara. She's further ahead, you see."
Aliza was once more left to consider her strange guardian, and why the woman might leave another child elsewhere within this place. Perhaps it was a safer location, she imagined. A place for poor wayward souls to go, before being guided back home. She watched the woman start towards the door, and followed her.
She wondered on the nature of these monsters, and pondered if they might come across them. If they did, she hoped the individuals present in this unnaturally warm area would be kindly. She wasn't a fan of angry people, and often sought to avoid inspiring aggression in others. It was only proper to be kind after all. Though, Frisk was always better at the kindness part than her.
The twin being wandered forth, as the girl took a moment to turn her imagination to something that always provided a sort of comfort in the bleak moments. A scenario that sometimes came to her mind when she was stressed, or afraid. It was a memory, of a day where she was sitting alongside her potential friend, and the two cats. Pablo, and Valérie.
She knew Pablo liked to be called the Judge, and was quite averse to his own name. But she found it adorable, and sometimes forgot about the more appropriate title the cat requested. After all, it was a good name, and was granted in kindness by Frisk. In honor of someone who had done them a kindness, when they first ran into each other. But that was another memory, and much scarier in its entirety.
Valérie was far more accepting of his name however, and in this memory had cuddled up on her lap. Relaxing, in a state of delighted rest. There was quite a bit of food present in their dwelling that day. Alongside containers of various soda brands, milks, and waters. All courtesy of a supermarket that wasn't far away from where they resided.
It was an odd thing, when they discovered it. The people who worked at the store had taken so many things that were once sold within, and cast them out. Laying them to rest in the rubbish, and garbage bines that lined the back of the store. What had ended up fascinating the girl the most, was that none of these things seemed to be bad, rotten, or deserving of their placement alongside other refuse.
They had been wandering the city looking for food when they came across a nice lady. This woman, who they had seen from time to time, and Aliza knew best for her sweet sugary scent, beckoned them. Informing them of this stash of things, and even helped them gather a great deal in plastic bags.
The girls were able to then lug them back home, while the woman did much the same to some unknown place she resided. What a peaceful week it would be, what a wonderful time it developed into. They did not go hungry, and had excess, and treats. Things to drink, and things to share with some of the nice people who lived in nearby alleyways. All the while ensuring the cats didn't go hungry either. It was such a happy memory, such a happy set of thoughts, she almost forgot about where she was. Following along with absent minded steps.
Though, when her attention returned, it seemed that she had been led into a place most strange. It was a room full of many streams, with a good deal of murky water within. The kind she was often warned by strangers not to play in, for it might make her sick. There were notches that seemed to indicate it was a decent bit deeper once upon a time. She wondered where the rest of the water had went.
Examining the room, she was curious to find it lit by magical torches. A smile crept upon her face, as she noticed it was arranged in the pattern of a lovely heart. A symbol that reminded her of hope, and the good spirit of others.
Beyond this though, she found that within the beautiful heart shaped carvings was a piano. The sight of which made her little heart skip a beat for a moment. As she took it in. It seemed as though someone had put a tremendous effort in its construction. Inspiring the girl to wander closer.
It was built with debris, various proper components, and little bits of whatever could be found that worked. It was honestly one of the loveliest things she had gotten to see up close. And she could feel that someone must have loved it very much, to put it together like this.
More often than not, in her personal experiences, these things were locked up in fancy buildings. In places she was often thrown out of physically, or chased out of. Sometimes they were in the windows of shops, where she wasn't permitted to go. Given that she lacked monetary value, or possessions of any kind to barter for even a moment. Often being ridiculed by the shop-keepers who didn't want her 'damaging' the product.
Aliza was inspired to speak fully for a moment. "It's a Piano." She smiled softly. "It's...very pretty."
"Yes. That is a piano. How very observant you are." The Non-Human said, masking the sarcasm. "This room is meant to contain a puzzle involving it."
In all honesty Aliza wasn't as fond of puzzles as Frisk was. Or, as much as the cats were, in their own ways. The group often played makeshift puzzle games when the night was out. Moving things around, and finding ways to resolve their own little brain teasers for amusement. The idea of using a piano for one had never once crossed her mind, and she felt a wave of excitement at the prospect.
Before her imagination could run as wild as she had hoped it might, a knife punched through the keys. The girl stepping back, letting out a sound of surprise. The Non-Human dug one out. Before reaching into the piano through the opened slot. Her hand and arm seeming surprisingly flexible.
After a moment, the soft music it was playing was cut off. As though severed, by a slash. A bridge began to rise ahead of them. Towards the door leading out.
"Oh." Aliza hummed in disappointment.
"So lacking in security features. So easily broken." The Non-Human smiled. "Come along, sweetheart. We have a ways to go yet."
The girl rose, frowning ever so slightly. Well, it wasn't the way she had hoped it would be resolved. Then again, perhaps it was best not to get her hopes up. After all, it was probably dangerous. Yes, that must have been the case. Else, she couldn't imagine why it would be destroyed so callously.
The child following along with her distorted caretaker. Notably, the next few puzzles followed suit with this pattern of things. To the point that they were largely pushed from the girls mind. She wasn't even sure what they were about, given how rapidly they were getting done. No explanation, not opportunity to try them.
Eventually, their path broke from these things, arriving in a big round room with a staircase. It was rather dark at this point. With faint light far above, and an open door in part of the wall. With a variety of things spilled onto the floor in front of it.
"This is one of my safehouses." The Non-Human lied. "I'm afraid it was ransacked awhile ago, but perhaps there's something inside you might like to have?"
Aliza curiously wandered over to it. A little thankful she was being permitted to do something on her own. Though, a look into this species revealed that ransacked was a kind way to put it. It looked like everything had been tossed around, damaged, or looked through. There were various VHS tapes across the ground. More than a dozen of which were damaged, or destroyed.
Stepping across broken glass, she was very glad to finally have shoes of her own. Sure they were held together by tape and clumsy sewing, but it was much better than nothing. The crunching glass leading her to examine the fridge.
The contents had been poured out onto the ground. And the various shelves shattered. Opening the freezer, there appeared to be some strange container within. It was a brown tinted color, and had a label written in something she didn't know. Surprisingly, despite it having been in a freezer, the liquid inside hadn't frozen.
"This?" The girl asked.
"Hmm. Sure. Why not take a drink?" The Non-Human winked, looking amused.
Aliza did as she was requested to do. Opening the chilly bottle. The smell it produced was very strong, and made her gag, and cough. Her toy axe set against the fridge as she gave the drink a dubious look. Glancing back to see the Non-Human watching.
Desperate to please, she took a drink of this. The taste was indescribable to her. It made her want to choke, and gag. However she stuck it out, and managed to swallow some. Before the coughing started.
It was cold going down, and the taste was awful. Just awful. She hadn't had anything like this before. And was very certain she didn't want to again. The child hearing snickering coming from the Non-Human, who stepped over, and took it. Taking a much bigger, longer drink, before setting it on the counter.
"I guess you're not really ready for that kind of drink." The Non-Human noted, patting her on the head.
Aliza smiled at this, namely that the woman appeared to be amused. Sure, it was a bit painful, and awful, and the taste hadn't gone away. But at least she'd made the 'nice' person smile. And wasn't that good?
There really was very little else to this place, that she could imagine taking. The girl picking back up her plastic axe, resting it on her shoulder. Looking up at the woman, as she thought up what to say.
"Thank you." Aliza said.
"Of course, sweetheart. You really are a good girl, aren't you?" The Non-Human said with her weird smile. "Well, let's get a move on. Nothing much to...see?"
There was noise coming from the staircase. The girl couldn't hear it yet, but the Non-Human could. A scheme hatching in that grim little mind. Leading the child out, to the staircase room. Stretching, yawning, getting comfortable and ready.
The girl noticing some form of monster heading down the stairs. Taking notice of the two. The creature appeared to be some sort of rock, with an odd hat to its person.
The monster commented. "I-is that the human?"
The Non-Human whispered to Aliza. "Sweetheart, this is one of the creatures I was referring to." The girl tensing some, as the woman spoke up. "Matter of fact, it is."
The stone-capped monster stared at the girl, somehow. "S-so you're the one that everyone is talking about." It got an aggressive look, somehow. "And you're what, helping it?"
Aliza glanced at the woman. "I-I"
The Non-Human responded. "I'm merely a guide."
The monster dropped from the step, with a loud thud. The girl fidgeting, stepping back. Her hands tightening around the handle of the axe. It seemed furious with her, though she didn't understand why.
The monster noted. "Then you won't mind if I take its soul?"
The world seemed to flash orange and black. A burning feeling gripping her, as her soul projected before her. The girl filled with alarm.
In her life, it was quite uncommon for things like this to happen. At least with soul projection. As she had learned, when she was young, it only really happened when the human was in grave danger. Or, at least, perceived the possibility of grave danger. Such as when someone wanted to honestly, really kill them.
It had only happened a couple times. Including once when her dad got mad at her for knocking his game off the coffee table. The child watching as her thoughts turned to new ideas, manifesting before her in a few ways. Into specific concepts. Her cracked soul shining.
|Aliza - HP 20/20|
|Fight| - |Act| - |Items| - |Mercy|
The Non-Human spoke. "Aliza?" She seemed confused. "Hmm...well 'Aliza' you've entered a Fight. In these situations, the appropriate response is to do what?"
Aliza found the womans tone strangely unhappy. Had she done something wrong? Was the woman able to see these shiny projections as well? Swallowing her fear, she followed her instincts.
|Mercy|
|Spare| - |Flee|
Aliza attempted to Flee. But it seemed she was unable to.
The girl staggering back, noticing shining points on the ground. One bursting out, slamming into her. The sharp ends stabbing up into her, prompting a cry of pain, albeit far less painful than she imagined it might be. The object coming back down towards her. The girl side-stepping, only to be hit by another.
Bewildered, and bleeding some where it had hit, she shivered. The attack seeming to end. The Stone-Cap seemingly unimpressed.
"Wow, you're genuinely terrible at this." It noted.
|Aliza - HP 16/20|
The Non-Human sighed. "You're going to need to fight back, child." The girl confused why she wasn't helping. "Go on. Unless you want to die?"
Motivated by the fear of death. She summoned her bravery. Shutting down some of the fear in her mind. She hadn't really attacked someone before. Sure, she might push someone away, or kick them off her. But never with a weapon like this. It felt distressing.
And yet...she didn't want to disobey. The Non-Human sounded very disappointed in her. That thought causing a spiral of others. Reminding her of all the people who talked to her with that voice. She didn't want to bad, to do something wrong. And so...
Aliza chose to fight.
Her movement was a little clumsy, as she ran forward. Swinging out with the plastic axe. The blade slamming down shocking force. Hitting the rock creature.
She had anticipate it to back away, or something. And yet...that wasn't what happened. The monster shook for a moment.
"Oh, guess you are strong." It said, before crumbling, and falling into dust.
She won. Aliza gained 10 XP. Aliza gained 10 G. Aliza grew to level 2.
The child stared at the newfound mound of dust, where the monster had been. Her mind working overtime to properly register what had just happened. A breath escaping her, as she was filled with a morbid dread.
"I-I...d-didn't-" The girl stammered.
"Well done, sweetheart." The Non-Human interrupted her dread. "Golly, you sure are strong." She pat the girl on the head, getting a glance. "Don't frown. That monster wanted to kill you, you know?"
Aliza wasn't specifically debating that. More, she was realizing, processing that she had killed it. So very easily at that. She hadn't meant to hit so hard. She just wanted the monster to leave her alone.
The Non-Human sighed. "You poor thing. I know it seems cruel." The woman knelt down, grabbing her focus. "But sometimes these are things we must do to protect ourselves." She placed a cold hand on the girls cheek. "Do you understand?"
"I...yes?" The girl half-asked, the woman wasn't mad anymore. That was...good wasn't it? This question bouncing in her mind.
"Now, lets put this awfulness from our mind, and continue on." The Non-Human suggested, offering her hand. "And, I'm sorry I didn't intervene. It was important that you understand this lesson. I, of course, wouldn't have let it kill you."
The assurance, while a welcome thing, didn't inspire as much confidence in the girl as one might hope. Aliza hesitantly took the hand. She wanted to trust that was true. The woman had been upset until she complied, but the child was left wondering if what she'd done was really the right thing to do. She hoped she didn't have to do it again, regardless.
It made her feel cold. Stronger, strangely...but colder. The woman starting to walk, dragging the girl with her, as they began to traverse the staircase.
The pair continuing on. The grim caretaker seeming determined to fill the girls head with her own ideas. Even as the interloper hid a look of confusion, and rage in her eyes. Attempting to discern why things had changed.
A consensus forming in her mind. A glare glancing towards you. The Non-Human building a suspicion, as to why Aliza was here, rather than someone more...anticipated. Ultimately, she concluded it changed little about her motivations.
With many questions, and a path already set out, it would have to wait. The Non-Human humming, an unnerving hum as they proceeded. Moving every closer, to their final destination.