It was quite a contrast from what Aliza had come to experience thus far. Even among the nicer monsters who had lived in the outpost. Most of them were still hesitant around her, or expressed some form of passing irritation.
Aside from 03, Wuf, Undyne, and Muffet. Those four were nice enough. The trinity walked, with Chara being notably silent. Aliza had seen, and even experienced a similar thing. The inability to 'think' and the heavy fast breathing. It was part of why she thought the air was smoke.
According to Pablo, it was 'anxiety' or 'dread' or some other mental disruption. A 'phantasm of stressful origin.' She wasn't sure what ghosts had to do with it, but she'd rather they left people alone, so they could feel better.
The trinity began to approach some sort of stop on the road. It was a sentry station placed in the center of it. With paths going to the left, and right. With a bunch of cutouts placed around. Alongside what recording equipment.
She also noticed what seemed to be a loudspeaker attached to the sentry station. It appeared that the cords from it were originally intended to run through a pipe that was present in the ground. However it had been cut in half, and instead, these wires were attached to a sort of box in the Sentry station.
The robotic man from earlier was there. And appeared to be packing up the recording camera. Giving a glance as they approached. He shifted the weight of his jacket, bringing it up, while offering a small smile.
"Hello darling, and who are you two wonderful beings?" Metta asked.
Aliza waited for Chara to respond, but she didn't. "Uhm...us."
Metta laughed softly. "That's fair. And who better to be, than your own, fantastic selves?"
Chara glanced over Metta. He felt familiar. More familiar this near. She couldn't shake it. It was like they'd met before. Even if...she couldn't place it.
Metta noticed the lack of response, and glanced to Papyrus. Who gave a soft shrug, while placing down the various cutouts. It was, fairly evident that the jovial mood from earlier had been detailed. Though, thankfully the texts between one another had indicated as such.
The recording camera was set down on the sentry station counter. The original idea, was to do a little bit of broadcasting. A couple quiz's, a few puzzles, and hopefully a few laughs. But, Metta wasn't heartless.
It was clear at least one of the humans was feeling poorly. And that would just open the child to...criticism, from certain individuals. That would be cruel, and unusual.
Papyrus coughed some, noting. "Well, humans. The idea was that you'd have to solve a bit of a puzzle to progress." He shrugged. "As is tradition around here. But, it felt like a lot of work."
Metta rolled his eyes. "So, instead I had put together a little quiz of sorts instead." He then added. "However, if you're not up for it, it needn't happen."
Chara spoke up. "We'll do it."
Aliza asked. "We wiil?"
Chara let out another heavy breath, and shook herself of some of her thoughts. Puzzles and the sorts were as much about defending monsterkind, as they were about having a decent time. At least, to some extent. Depriving that experience, would be rude. Besides, in her mind, she concluded that Aliza was likely lacking in experience. Which could be dangerous.
"Of course." The purple-eyed girl slipped her hand away. "What's with that...puzzled, look?" She asked. "Almost...quizzical~"
Aliza blinked, and chuckled briefly. "I'm...not the best...at these."
"Well that's fine." Chara replied. "It's...just another thing we'll have to teach you."
Metta hummed. "Another thing?"
"Yeah...nobody helped teach her how to uh...'Fight' proper." Chara commented briefly.
Papyrus made a suggestion. "Well, then. Why don't we do both?" He motioned. "Ya know, show and tell, sort of thing?"
Metta paced a little. "That could be a wonderful way to handle it, dear. Educational spectacle, is in itself a wonderful form of entertainment that is so poorly neglected." He paused, and asked them. "Well, then, would you care to give it a go you two?"
The idea had some merit to it, at least in Charas mind. She honestly wasn't completely certain what that kind of 'fight' would look like. But her mind was already piecing together concepts. Giving a glance to see if Aliza seemed comfortable with the idea.
Aliza raised her hand. Papyrus in response snapped his fingers together, making finger guns aimed at her. The girl took this as being called upon.
"Are we...like...fight, uhm..." Aliza felt all eyes on her, and lost her resolve to speak.
Metta replied. "We'll go ahead and make sure nobody actually gets hurt." He suggested. "Just a quick tutorial, between the three of us."
Chara asked. "Is...Papyrus not joining in?"
"I'm not that good in a fight. Too much of a numbskull." Papyrus commented. "Besides if I were involved, it'd be a two-torial."
"Goodness...that joke." Metta shook his head, smiling all the same.
Chara nodded. "Okay. This could...be fun?"
"Wonderful, darling." Metta cleared his throat, and motioned. "Then, let the lesson begin."
The world flashed black and purple. Contrasting the otherwise bright colors of the trees, and plants around them. But fitting in well enough with the general color pallet of the monster before them.
The prompts of the command menu, manifested before them. Seemingly projected by Aliza. Who stared at it both like it wasn't unfamiliar, but was still foreign to her in many ways.
Their names were emblazed across a section of it. Revealing their state of being. On the side of the fight, drawing a curious expression from Papyrus, that they didn't notice. Inspiring a curiosity in him, for a few reasons.
Metta appeared to notice at least two of them, and briefly frowned. Before mustering a smile again. Keeping a hopeful expression.
|Chara - 20/24 HP | - | Aliza - 26/26 HP|
Metta spoke. "Well. The first one to be able to chose an action, is generally the most powerful of the group." He hummed, and added. "Notably, power in this sense, doesn't specifically relate to the raw strength of an individual. Usually, it's more an indication of their impact on the world around them. Be it known, or not."
Aliza hesitantly attempted to choose something. Only to find that it didn't appear to be her turn. She wasn't specifically surprised by that. And in many ways, she felt a lot more comfortable that way. It was as she had been told 'seen not heard.' That was, in her parents estimation, the mark of being a 'good girl.'
Chara meanwhile, finally had a sense of understanding for something. Or, perhaps, more, a question to cement the idea she had been forming regarding a certain ability of hers. Sway, as it was known, required the user be more powerful than their opponent. Was it merely referring to the same thing?
Chara hummed. "That was...very helpful. Thank you."
"You're very welcome, darling." Metta replied. "Now, since you seem to be more familiar with the concept..." He examined the 'actions' prompt. "And are a spellcaster, it seems...I was unaware humans could use magic?"
Papyrus spoke from the sidelines. "It's possible it's battle-magic." He reasoned. "Something that is generated from 'Tension Points' rather than raw mana."
Aliza looked perplexed. "Tension Points?"
Metta hummed. "Tension Points, are a way of manifesting the tension present in a battle." He added. "It can be generated from fighting, and defending."
Chara added. "As well as 'grazing' the attacks of your enemy."
"Yes. Though, that can be a little dangerous." Metta noted, adding. "Usually, the more Tension Points, or T.P an individual has, the more they may be able to draw from themselves. To perform...'unique' actions. Or in the case of Battle-Magic, spells." He clarified. "Did you get all that?"
Aliza would be lying were she to profess a deep and profound understanding of this topic. Or even a moderate understanding, honestly. But she got the majority of it, or at least the concept. Tension manifested as 'points' which could be used for things.
Aliza replied. "Yes?"
"Marvelous." Metta motioned. "Let's go ahead and see about taking a 'Defend' action, shall we?"
Chara, in response to this, motioned, the |MERCY| prompt shining. The word |DEFEND| was present there. Selecting it, the light of her soul shined, spreading like a thin purple layer across the two girls.
Aliza did her best to manage the idea of tension. And from her imagination, beckoned forth a way to track it. In this case, it was a bar that ran along under their names. A helpful representation to think about the concept. She then followed suit with her peer. Electing to |DEFEND|
When she did, a feeling like a kindling flame echoed in her heart. In her soul, manifested before her. The leaves that were around her rose, and swirled. Like she was standing in the middle of a dust devil.
When it came time for Mettas attack, he elected not to. And instead, decided to fully defend. A motion seeing several bullet patterns, similar to box-robots appearing. Acting as a sort of barrier to harm.
One thing Aliza noticed, was that when she defended, the air got more tense. But, more than that. The 'TP' that was available to them, had risen. She was fascinated with the sensation, but didn't inquire.
Aliza muttered. "T-that...felt...strange?"
Metta gave a nod. "It does tend to, dear." He considered. "I take it you are both familiar with the uh...fight, option, and the concept of dodging?"
Chara replied with a hesitant. "Yeah. We have some experience with that."
"Right." Metta tsk'd. "Well, then, I suppose the last thing remaining is-" A motion saw two lights shine on the robotic man, illuminating him. "Acting!" He seemed enthusiastic. "When you make certain actions, it's possible to persuade your foes, rather than fight them." He explained. "This doesn't have to be grandiose mind you. So, just try something that comes from the heart."
Chara hit the prompt of 'Actions' and two options appeared. |ACT| and |SPELLS| which Aliza noted, she only had one of. Further, hers just said act, not actions. She pondered why that might be, and if it was possible for her to learn magic? She imagined herself with it, making a little magical wisp the cats could play with. That sounded nice.
|ACT|
|Check| - |Joke| - |Compliment|- |Terrorize|
Chara chose to compliment.
Alizas prompts were brought up. And she motioned towards her actions. Thought, the result was a touch different.
|ACT|
|Check| - |Talk|
Aliza hesitantly chose to Talk.
Chara began things by saying. "You have a beautiful sense of style." Adding. "It's very refreshing to see brighter colors."
Metta seemed happy with that. "Thank you dear."
Aliza attempted to speak. "I...uhm...so..." She trailed off, looking incredibly anxious at the prospect. "I-I can't."
Metta gave her a reassuring smile. "It's alright, darling. You did wonderfully, to try."
This turn, however, Metta conjured forth the 'Attack' as it were. Only it wasn't an attack in a traditional sense. The lights moved and repositioned. Creating a sort of battle box that occupied a decent section of the path. A snap of the fingers causing what would normally be bullets, to appear as words, both beside him, and across the ground.
Metta smiled and said. "Let's start with an easy question. What, is the reward for answering the questions correctly?"
The spaces on the ground illuminated a set of possible answers. The girls giving them a quick glance over. In this case; Money. Mercy. New Car. More Questions.
Aliza started to step towards Mercy. However Chara took her hand, and pulled her over to the one that read more questions. Much to the orange-eyed girls confusion. Upon doing so, a loud, cherry sound played out of the speaker tied to the sentry station.
"Right, right. Sounds like you get it." Metta noted, pulling a cord, as confetti blasted through the air, raining down over the duo. "Well done."
Aliza asked the other girl. "How...did you know?"
Chara replied, smiling some. "Well...it's only the first question. No show ends after the first question."
"I...don't watch...shows." Aliza admitted.
"We'll add that to the list of things to do." Chara assured, as it seemed to be their turn once more.
Chara decided to tell a joke.
Aliza tried to talk again.
"Metta, you're a robot right?" Chara asked, adding. "Hope you don't byte"
Metta chuckled. "Traditionally no, darling." He smiled slyly. "Unless someone asks me too." Papyrus suddenly coughed hard.
Aliza spoke up. "S-so d-do you...are..." She paused briefly. "Quizzes...often?"
Metta deciphered the conversational question. "I find Quizzes are a fun way to spend a little time." He said. "They can be educational, or just fun things to talk about later with your friends. When you learn something new."
Aliza hadn't considered that. But wagered there was probably some truth to that. Maybe that was how Frisk had known so many random things? She'd have to ask her when she got back.
Metta considered a question for the moment. Knowing the two got it correctly, was indeed a good lesson. But failure in itself, was another. Perhaps a minor dose of that, would be beneficial. If only to teach them, that it was okay, in the aftermath. A question very few actually knew the answer to.
Metta spoke in an enthusiastic voice. "And here, is your terrific prize~" He said, before another bunch of words appeared. "What is the Kings surname?"
A set of choices began to appear. But Chara didn't look at them long. The moment she saw the first three letters, she wandered over to it. Aliza following along, as the question was answered before the other options even formed properly. The sound of a correct answer playing again. Papyrus noted this.
Metta let out a little laugh. "Goodness, so hasty in your response. But...correct!" He declared in enthusiasm, wondering how they knew. "What a spectacular answer!"
Chara considered their next actions. It was clear that Aliza was having a little bit of trouble forming things to talk about. So she figured, she'd give her a hand.
|Act|
|A-Talk|
"Hey Aliza-" Chara began, drawing the girls attention. "since you gave me your jacket...maybe you could ask Metta about where he got his?" She suggested. "In case you wanted a new one?"
Aliza considered this, and replied. "That's...hmm." She turned to face the robot. "You...do have a...pretty jacket. Where did-" She shook some. "you..." Chara pat her on the shoulder. "Where did you get it?"
Metta tugged on it some. "It's actually custom, darling. There's a tailor in Golden Grove, I swear by." He explained. "Baylor, the Tailor. Oh, she makes some of the cutest attire a person could ask for." He hummed. "She can also modify some clothing and armor. And improve them."
"Oh, cool." Aliza responded, smiling some. "Thank you."
"Of course, you adorable you." Metta replied, thinking of the next question. "Hmm. I think we've covered the basics. So, how about a final question?"
The final question appeared. And was something the two genuinely had no way of knowing. Much to the amusement of Metta.
Metta read it. "Where did me, and Papyrus first meet?"
The blank stares that came in return, followed by confusion, led to the two having to properly look over the options. Trying to deduce what seemed like the most likely, correct, answer. They were; A Restaurant. The Dump. The Core. The Ruins.
Aliza was the one to decide this answer. Based on her own experiences with meeting people. Specifically, with meeting people who she had dubbed as being the kinder sort. Her step bringing her to an answer, with Chara giving her a confused look, before following along. Surprisingly, the speaker played the sound indicating they'd made the correct choice.
Chara was surprised. "The Dump?"
Aliza responded. "The nicest people...seem to be...around those places."
The purple-eyed girl wasn't sure that was entirely accurate. But it did reveal a bit more about her counterpart. And about the duo who was interacting with them.
Metta gave a sigh, and said. "It is the correct answer. But, then, we all have days we're down in the dumps." He noted. "It can be difficult to dig ourselves out of it. Sometimes we have to rely on others, to help lift us back up."
Papyrus spoke. "Wouldn't that be reverse, in our case?"
"I dunno, darling. I think it was mutually helping one another." Metta suggested.
"Fair point, love." The skeleton chuckled.
Metta let out a content sigh, before refocusing. "Well, with that done, the last little thing I'll teach is, the Spare function. Go ahead, and give it a shot now."
The two decided to spare their 'foe' in this encounter. With Aliza following along with Chara. Finding the name of Metta was glowing orange, rather than the usual paler white. Seeming to indicate he could be 'spared' as it were.
With that, the fight ended. The two gained no XP. They did gain 25 G however. The color seeming to return to the world.
The idyllic forest around them once more in its majesty, and color. And everything felt a little brighter, in its own way. It was a nice distraction, after all. The various cutouts having been placed below a sign that read 'Live Studio Audience' with Papyrus hanging out amongst them.
Aliza commented. "Thanks...you guys."
Chara smirked some. "Don't mention it, dork." She added. "You...did great."
Metta stepped over to the sentry station. Turning off the speakers. It was a nice, constructive encounter. In a way, he did regret not getting it on camera. But, it was fine. There would be another chance. And besides, the whole goal of the show, was to improve the moods of people. And, glancing at the children, he felt like he had made that happen, even if it was on a small scale.
Metta hummed some. "Well you two. This was a pleasant encounter, I think." He pondered. "We do have other things set up ahead, if you're willing to play along through them."
The two exchanged glances. "Could be fun." Chara reasoned.
"Hmm, mhm." Aliza agreed, nodding.
"Marvelous." Metta pondered. "Well then. I'll go on ahead, and ensure they're set up. In the meantime, I'd ask that you both remain safe."
"Is it...safe?" Aliza asked.
Papyrus spoke up, while flicking a cigarette to the ground. "I'll keep an eye-socket out for ya."
Chara did have a question, she wanted an answer for. "So...why don't you two want our souls?"
Metta replied with a question. "Why would we?"
"Break the barrier?" Chara said knowingly, though Aliza didn't know what she was talking about.
"There are a lot of cruel people in the world." Metta began. "And...sadly, I'm sure, judging by that, you've met some. However, violence shouldn't always be the answer." He reasoned. "Especially given how much of it we already have to endure with the Creatures of The Dark."
Papyrus added. "They're a threat to everyone. Monster, or Human."
Metta smiled some. "Exactly. Besides, The King has asked people not to interfere with human travelers. And instead to redirect them towards the capital." He explained. "It's...much safer, that way."
This only inspired dozens more questions from the girl. However, she wagered she wasn't going to get a whole lot more information. At least not at present. And the nervous expression from Aliza implied she should stop trying for more right now.
Chara considered this. "I see. Well...thank you. All the same."
"Of course dear." Metta replied. "Papyrus, love, can you-"
Papyrus nodded. "I'll get it done."
"Thank you, darling." Metta smiled. "I'll see you all up ahead."
Aliza was curious why they weren't joining Metta on the walk. Surely that was the safer option wasn't it? After all, they'd catch up before too long. She was also curious what these 'creatures' were. Was it more things like the Non-Human lady? The thought made her nervous.
Chara for her part, had some idea of why they weren't joining Metta. Namely, that puzzles and the sort usually had dangerous traps with them. While also recalling Temmie refer to itself as a 'Creature of the Dark.' Wagering the things that were in the room beyond the ruins were likely other things like it. It was...concerning to hear they were apparently such a threat.
The robotic man with the lovely fashion sense started off. Heading down the road, leaving the trinity there. Papyrus glancing over the two, as they turned to examine him.
Aliza asked. "Aren't...you going?"
"Me?" Papyrus asked. "Na. Think I'll stand here and be lazy."
Chara asked. "Seriously?"
"Hey, no need to call me out. Nyeh heh." He chuckled. "It's not like I'm doing anything."
Chara laughed. "Hey...what kind of exercise do lazy people do?"
"Diddly squats." Papyrus replied snickering. "What'aya call a lazy kangaroo?"
"Pouch potato." Chara said, making Aliza giggle. "Why did the lazy monster stop going to the gym?"
"Didn't work out." Papyrus replied knowingly. "What do you call a lazy space explorer?"
There was a bit of movement from behind the sentry station, as Metta stepped to the side. Giving him a stern look. Before clearing his throat dramatically, getting their attention.
"A procrastronaut." Metta declared, before asking. "Are you all just going to be here telling puns, then?"
"I thought you'd gone on ahead, love." Papyrus noted.
"I did. Until I began to hear a long series of puns." Metta placed his hand on his hip.
Aliza wasn't the kind to make puns. But she had been giggling along with them. And was just happy to see everyone in a good mood. Even if she had no intentions of contributing to this spree of humor.
Chara however, had every intention. "Somebody once told me I was being lazy." She began, adding. "I almost answered him."
Metta rolled his eyes. "You're all quite silly. I'll be up ahead. Just, have fun."
Papyrus watched him go, and responded with a. "Nyeh heh heh. See you in a bit." He then sighed contently, and said. "But yeah, honestly kids. oughta get a move on."
Chara gave a nod. "Right. Heh, well, see you later Papyrus."
"Later kid." Papyrus waved some.
Aliza spoke up with a. "Bye." Waving back to him.
"Farewell, child." Papyrus said, in a more formal tone.
The two beginning down the path, at last. In a much better mood, all things considered. Almost forgotten about the things that had happened earlier as they went.