:-"LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! ! !"-:
On one of his legally-required breaks, Sans decides to go to a secluded area in Waterfall to sit and think. When he arrives, however, he finds Frisk laying on the bench; they seem to be having a nightmare.
Sans wakes Frisk up gently. "no worries buddy. just a bad dream. you must've been bone-tired to fall asleep here."
Frisk replies, sleepily. "Oh, hay... I *yawn* opened up the secret room..." Frisk rubs their eyes before continuing. "but I can't get the Artifact without that annoying dog taking it... why does it plague my life...?"
Winking, Sans replies "maybe it's the way you're dressed?"
Unamused, Frisk responds with a scoff and says "if you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
Not pulling any punches, Sans replies "that's good, because i don't have any. i'm a skeleton... but i've got a few bones up my sleeves that might do the trick, so i'll get the artifact."
Feeling more awake now, Frisk says "alright, I was going to head over to your house. I guess I will anyhow, I have a 'date' with Papyrus."
Sans chuckles briefly and says "well, that sounds pretty humerus. go easy on 'im kiddo."
Frisk nods and gets up to leave for Snowdin, but Sans speaks again. "after i get the artifact, how 'bout an impromptu magic lesson?"
Frisk nods excitedly with an almost visible smile.
With a Smirk, Sans says "alright then, i'll meet you at the resort."
Frisk nods again and leaves to go on their "date" with Papyrus. Sans leaves for the Artifact.
:-:
When Sans arrives at the Artifact room, he thinks for a moment. 'i wonder... why did no one look at the artifact before?'
After stepping into the room, Sans feels an excessive amount of magic. A small white dog appears in his pockets. 'so, you must be an anti-tampering thing or something. huh?'
Sans pulls out one of Papyrus' bone attacks from... somewhere, wiggles it around in the air, and tosses it. The dog doesn't leave his pocket. "you're dog-gone persistent, aren't cha?"
Keeping an eye-socket on his pocket, Sans leaves the room. The annoying dog vanishes from his pocket as he goes through the entry. 'hmmm...'
Sans freezes time, walks into the room, and tries to pick up the Artifact... but he's carrying too many dogs. Sans decides to get someone else to try taking the Artifact.
He leaves for the Lab in Hotland. 'Alphys should still be watching the kiddo on her console.'
The outside of the Lab is sterile white, with an orange tint coming from the magma below and the orange, iron laced, rocks. Above the automatic sliding door is a large sign in red letters that read "LAB."
As he enters the Lab and walks through the hallway, past the downwards escalator from the second story, he sees the security console watching Frisk on the left side of the room; they just started to leave Waterfall.
Continuing forward, Alphys' cluttered desk is a foot away from the console, there is a fridge next to the desk, with a bag of Dog food next to it, a tented glass sliding door a few yards away from the dog food, and the Escalator leading up to the second story a few feet away from the door. Alphys is about to enter the glass door.
Sans stops her by speaking. "hey alphys, can i ask for a favor?"
Startled, Alphys quickly hides in the elevator for a moment before she realizes who is there. "O-oh, hi Sans... I... uh.. I didn't see you there. Y-you want to a-ask me for a favour...?"
Bringing no attention to her nervousness, Sans asks "yea, i was wondering if you could help me get something. the legendary artifact undyne put in that one room. the kiddo can't get it because of the annoying dog."
Still feeling a bit nervous, Alphys replies. "Oh... t-that. I... uh... yea... yes, I c-can help with that. What do you n-need me to do?"
His grin widens a bit, "i just need you to try taking it."
Though a little worried by his grin, Alphys says "A-alright, let me finish... s-something and I'll be right over."
While Sans leaves, he replies "alright, i'll be at the artifact room."
:-:
Alphys walks to the artifact room after feeding the amalgamates. She's not sure why Sans wants her to help get that useless orb, but she also doesn't know why Sans does anything...
The way there is quiet and long... she would have asked Riverperson for a ride, but she needed some time to think. 'I hope this isn't some stupid prank...'
Since she was caught up in her thoughts, Alphys ends up passing the artifact room before realizing it. When she goes back, Sans is standing right outside the open hidden door.
"Alright Sans, I'm here... S-so you just need me to go into the room and try to take the Artifact?"
"yep."
Alphys gulps, last time she did a "favour" for Sans it ended with her screaming when she thought she saw Papyrus' disembodied head on the ground... but really Sans just buried him in the snow after he passed out. Papyrus really needs to try to get more sleep.
When Alphys walks into the room, she immediately feels the increase in magic and her pocket feels heavier. When she goes to check, a small white dog sticks its head out. Then the world goes black for a moment. Alphys looks up to see Sans holding the Artifact and the Annoying Dog vanishing into it. Alphys blinks in confusion.
Sans nonchalantly replies, while holding the orb out for Alphys, "here, look at it and see if you find anything. this artifact is why we're stuck down here. the dog was to keep us from lookin' at it, i guess. must've been charging or something this whole time."
Even more confused, Alphys asks "w-wait, how is the annoying dog from the Artifact? Isn't it from the dog clan?"
Sans winks and says "there's more than one annoying little white dog."
Slightly embarrassed, Alphys takes the Artifact; it's lighter than she expects. "S-so... what am I looking for?"
Sans shrugs. "anything magical i guess. the kiddo says it made the barrier."
Alphys thinks for a moment, then takes the Artifact. "A-alright, I'll look at it..."
A few awkward moments pass, and Alphys says "I... uh... I should probably go do that now... I'll text you the results."
Sans replies "k."
When Alphys turns around and leaves, Sans goes to his bedroom; just in time to mess with Papyrus by playing on his trombone.
Alphys takes the Artifact to her Lab in Hotland, this time she asks Riverperson for a ride. "Tra la la, what happens when Deja-vu is more than a feeling? Nothing, it already didn't happen... Or did it?"
'Cryptic and creepy as always...'
They arrive at Hotland and Alphys steps off the boat. She goes into the Lab and to the "bathroom" down into the True lab. It doesn't take her long to navigate to the appropriate room, but finding the right equipment is a different story. The True lab is somewhat dark, mostly out of necessity due to some light sensitive experiments... The grey tiled floors are spotless as always, and the occasional monitor, on the light grey walls, comes to life briefly as she passes them.
Turning down several corners, Alphys eventually finds the hidden room she's looking for and begins working.
Alphys thinks out loud as she's looking for the appropriate tool to examine the Artifact...
"D-do I need... no... no maybe I c-could... Hmmm... OH! Oh I know! I c-can... Yes, I can use this! ...no that's t-too small... I'll have to make a custom microscope..."
Sighing, Alphys leaves the Legendary Artifact in a sealed section of the True lab; then turns on an anti-magic field around it, just in case.
She meanders to the Riverperson and asks for a ride to Waterfall.
See needs parts to make a larger microscope... 'Maybe, instead, I'll try to make a series of magnifying lenses that can be moved around in front of each other... that would be more flexible...'
While rummaging through the garbage, Alphys remembers something... 'Oh my god I'm so stupid... I already have a multi-lens magnifying set...'
Alphys stays and looks for useful junk, because she's too embarrassed to leave without getting something. Eventually, she stumbles on a particularly well kept piece of junk.
She returns to the Lab in Hotland and goes down into the True Lab through the glass door leading to the "bathroom," then finds her magnifying lens set in another room. It was being used to examine the flowers...
:-:
Instead of trying to change the outcome, because there is really only one way the "date" will go, Frisk plays along.
It goes as platonically and funnily as before. Papyrus gives them his phone number after the "date" ends, because Frisk's phone doesn't have Caller ID.
After the "date" Frisk heads back through waterfall to go to the Hotland resort. Frisk has to walk all the way back, since they haven't meet Riverperson yet... at least, not since the RESET.
Occasionally, Frisk gives Papyrus a call... something to keep them occupied and entertained.
When Frisk gets back to the docks, they notice a grey monster. It looks similar to Monster kid... Frisk investigates.
Cautiously, Frisk says "Hello?"
Excitedly, the grey monster replies "Yo! You're a ? too, right?"
Frisk is somewhat confused, "Uh... maybe?"
Frisk gets a sinking feeling in their stomach, like the monster isn't supposed to exist and their mind is having a hard time coping with the paradox.
A few moments pass and the monster asks "Have you ever thought about a world where everything is exactly the same... Except you don't exist?"
Feeling a little disturbed, but not showing it, Frisk replies, "Not really."
The monster continues. "Everything functions perfectly without you..."
Frisk responds thoughtfully. "Huh... that's really sad."
In a neutral voice, the monster replies. "Ha, ha... The thought terrifies me..."
Frisk replies in a reassuring tone, "I don't think everything would function perfectly without you... If you're supposed to exist, then you being gone messes everything up..."
Seeming to feel a little better, the monster replies "Ha, ha... You know, that does make me feel a little better about this. Thank you."
Giving a slightly visible smile, Frisk says "No problem, I'm here to save everyone. That includes you."
Looking somewhat downcast now, the monster replies "please forget about me" and vanishes.
Frisk doesn't want to forget about them though. If they're supposed to exist, but are in some half-existence, then that means they need to be saved so that everything can be made right...
'...how am I supposed to save them...?'
After thinking for a few moments, Frisk continues through Waterfall, grabs another umbrella, and walks with Monster kid through the long rainy path that overlooks the castle. Eventually, the two make it to the ledge that leads to the rickety wooden walkways above the dump. Frisk puts the umbrella away, and monster kid gives them a boost over the ledge. When Frisk makes their way into the next area, Undyne appears below them; they avoid Undyne's spears as easily as ever.
After making it all the way to the end of the maze-like walkway, Frisk braces themselves for the inevitable fall... They turn around and begin to leave, but, just like the first time, Undyne backs them onto an unstable part and breaks it with a spear; sending them hurtling downwards.
Frisk lands in the dump on a bed of golden flowers, and is knocked unconscious.
* CHARA'S SOUL STIRS, FRISK SEES ONE OF CHARA'S MEMORIES.
* A MEMORY OF A TIME LONG FORGOTTEN... OF A CHILD THAT FELL, AND A CHILD THAT FOUND THEM.
:-:
Frisk wakes up.
Laying on the bed of flowers, they think to themselves. 'Everything is falling into place.'
It seems that Sans' lazy jokes are rubbing off on Frisk... but instead of skeleton puns, it's puns about falling.
Frisk checks their pockets:
Pockets: MnstrCndyx4, Bandaid, SpidrCidr, SnowPiece, Ab Quiche.
'Hmm... my pockets are all full... I'll have to put some of this in a box so I can get the apron.
Frisk gets up, but thinks for another moment... 'Maybe I should ask Riverperson for a ride to Hotland?... No that seems too much like cheating... Besides, Monster kid is going to fall soon, I need to be there to catch them.'
Looking around, Frisk sees the familiar shapes of garbage, flowing and floating in river water from a higher part of the cavern. Frisk doesn't try to pick anything up.
When Frisk makes it to the platform, in front of the small waterfall leading to the abyss, they take a moment to SAVE... just in case.
* Seeing the waterfall flowing from the top of the cavern, and the endless cycle of garbage flowing into the bottomless abyss...
...fills Frisk with Determination.
* FILE SAVED
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED.
:-:
Frisk turns left and continues out of the dump, passing the piles of garbage, the bike, the old PC, the cooler with Astronaut food in it, and the dummy... They expect the dummy to react... but nothing happens?
They turn back and look at the dummy. 'It's just a Dummy, dummy.'
As Frisk begins to leave again, however, the Dummy stirs. "Wait! I KNOW YOU! You're the human that 'cheered up' my Cousin. You were so 'nice' and 'kind' but you caused him to leave his vessel!"
Frisk stares at the Dummy with a blank look, and replies in a flat tone. "I think you are mistaking me for a different human... sounds like my twin."
The Dummy squints and considers this... "Hmmm... well, your face is pretty plain and boring. If you had talked to them, they probably would have been so BORED that they would have run away like any self respecting Spectre...! Fine... I'll let you go, but I'm watching you!"
Frisk snickers internally, 'Critical success on my bluff check.'
Avoiding the confrontation was nice. 'Finally, something didn't happen the same way as before.'
Continuing out of the flooded dump, Frisk enters a small clearing with a little pond in the middle, and five paths.
Looking around, Frisk recognizes that to the left is where the really long hallway is, that has the bird that carries people across a disproportionately small gap, and to the right is where they will find Riverperson, Gerson, and Temmie village... it's also the path that leads to Hotland.
The second path on the left is where Undyne lives, dwon the middle path is where Napstablook lives, and the second path on the right is the snail farm/snail race area.
Frisk takes a moment to appreciate their progress, then approaches their SAVE star...
* Frisk feels a calming tranquillity. They are filled with Determination.
* FILE SAVED
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED.
:-:
Napstablook appears for a moment, "oh. . . . hi. . . . i'm not interrupting you. . . . am i? ooooohhhhh. . . . . . i knew i should have waited longer. . . . . . i'm sorry. . . i'll just go home now. . . . uh. . . feel free to 'come with' if you want. . . . or don't. . . no pressure. . . i understand if you are busy. . . it's fine. . . no worries. . . just thought i'd offer. . ."
The shy, and awkward, ghost floats up to the middle path and vanishes. Frisk decides to follow.
Upon entering Naptsblook's small house, he comments "oh... you really came... sorry, i... wasn't expecting that. it's not much, but make yourself at home."
There are three tracks laying on the ground to the right of the door, and a spider web in the corner. A few feet in front of the door, in the corner, is a fridge. Beside the fridge is a TV, and beside the TV -with about a foot between them- is a computer desk tucked in the last corner of the small house.
Frisk turns on "Spookwave" and goes to the fridge, knowing that afterwards they will lay on the ground with Napstablook and feel like garbage together.
Napstablook notices and comments "oh... are you hungry... i can get you something to eat..." before floating over.
After grabbing something from the fridge, Napstablook offers it to Frisk "this is a ghost sandwich... do you want to try it..."
Frisk thinks for a moment... 'I declined last time, I wonder... maybe I should try it this time?' Frisk nods and tries to take a bite... but they phase right through it.
Napstablook (and Frisk) realizes that corporeal creatures can't eat ghost food... "oh... nevermind..."
Frisk waits patiently as Napstablook eats the sandwich... at least, Frisk thinks that's what they're doing. Frisk decides to eat a piece of monster candy.
As soon as Napstablook is done eating, at least... that is what Frisk assumes, Napstablook says "after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage... it's a family tradition... do you want... to join me..."
Frisk nods.
"okay... follow my lead..."
Napstablook goes to the middle of his small house and lies down. Frisk follows.
"here we go... you'll lie down as long as you don't move. so... only move around when you want to get up, i guess."
They lay in silence. After about a minute, the music in the room slowly fades away... Frisk begins to feel the universe around them. They clear their mind... and relax... Their worries fade into the background noise of the cosmos... Reality blurs and Frisk feels... like a piece of garbage. Small and insignificant in the grand scheme of reality. Somewhere out in the infinite branches of reality, there is another Frisk, another Underground, and they are very much different... Frisk can feel their SOUL, it pulses in unison with another... one that doesn't belong to them... one that is waking up... slowly...
After an unknown amount of time, that is probably actually only three minutes, Frisk gets up.
Napstablook comments "well, that was nice... thank you..."
Frisk gives a subtle smile, and leaves. They make their way back to the intersection and go down the path to Gerson and Riverperson.
After stopping by to see Gerson for a moment, they press on. Frisk passes the last waterfall they will see in the area, the mushroom-lit maze room -where Timmie village is hidden-, the last room with echo flowers, and finally get to the bridge where Monster kid is going to fall.
Frisk goes across the bridge, but stops near the end as Monster kid starts to cautiously make their way out onto the bridge.
"Yo!"
Wary, and ready to catch them, Frisk responds "Hey."
"Yo, I know I'm not supposed to be here, but... I wanna ask you something."
"You wanna know if I'm a human?"
"Yo! How'd you know? That's freaky! ...But yea... haha... so?"
Frisk nods.
"Man! I knew it! ...well, I know it now, I mean... Undyne told me, um 'stay away from that human.' So, like, umm... I guess that makes us enemies or something. But I kinda stink at that, haha."
Frisk replies calmly, "that's OK, I do too. I've made friends with almost everyone so far..."
"Man, this totally sucks... I don't want to be the one who has to be mean!"
Frisk nods and says "well then... don't? We don't have to be mean to eachother."
Monster kid thinks about that for a moment, then replies. "I... I guess... but... Man, I'm just gonna go home... now... ...Don't tell Undyne, OK?"
Frisk nods, and Monster kid begins backing up slowly, then turns and runs... but he trips on one of his feet and falls over the edge. Frisk is already there by the time he falls, and starts lifting him up. Undyne arrives just in time to see Frisk lift monster kid up, and Monster kid faces her and speaks, timidly at first.
"Y... y... yo... dude... If... If y-you wanna hurt my friend... You're gonna have to get through me, first."
Undyne backs up slowly instead of lunging at Frisk, not wanting to risk Monster kid falling off the bridge, or accidentally hit them with a spear.
After Undyne leaves, Monster kid speaks to Frisk again.
"She's gone... Yo, you really saved my skin. Guess being enemies was just a nice thought, haha. We'll just have to be friends instead. ... man, I should REALLY go home... I bet my parents are worried sick about me!"
As Monster kid is leaving, they say "Later, dude!"
Frisk replies, "Watch your ankles, they seem to be out to get you."
Monster kid chuckles a little and leaves a little more carefully.
Frisk continues forward... and approaches the Cavern that leads into Hotland.
Undyne is standing above it...
* The howling wind and looming danger... fills Frisk with DETERMINATION!
:-:
Frisk doesn't bother saving, they have a feeling everything will be OK. They run forward before she can begin monologuing...
"H-HEY! ! ! DON'T YOU RUN AWAY! GET BACK HERE COWARD! !"
Feeling more excited than worried, Frisk chuckles a little and retorts "Sorry Undyne, but I need to go talk to Sans!"
Undyne Suplexes a boulder, out of frustration, then shouts "NGAAAAAAAHHHH! ! ! THAT LAZY GOOD FOR NOTHING! !"
Frisk smiles very noticeably and keeps running. Eventually Undyne catches up with them... 'Curse my small child legs...'
Undyne, triumphantly, says "there is no where to run!" Then changes Frisk's SOUL green.
"As long as you're GREEN you CAN'T ESCAPE! Unless you learn to-"
Excitedly, Frisk interrupts her and mimics her movements from before the RESET. "Face danger head-on, I get it! En garde!"
Undyne is feeling particularly upset now, it's like this little punk is mimicking her... it's actually kinda flattering, but she wont admit it.
Frisk focuses on their SOUL... the adrenaline, the DETERMINATION... the excitement of seeing Undyne alive and well again and finally confronting her... it's all working together... It seems like taking the time to be a piece of garbage with Napstablook is really paying off.
Frisk is able to easily clear their mind, and manages to conjure a small purple spear similar to Undyne's... Frisk feels like if it were as long as hers, they would not be able to control it... even now it warbles slightly as Frisk tries to remain focused.
Undyne is surprised by the turn of events. "H-hey! ! Don't copy me punk! Spears are MY thing! ! !"
Frisk just grins in response and focuses on blocking the oncoming bullets. Instead of completely stopping the bullets, however, Frisk notices that they are redirected to where their spear is pointing. They make sure to avoid directing them back at Undyne.
At the first chance Frisk gets, while their SOUL is back to red, they run.
"H-hey! ! !"
This time, Undyne doesn't catch Frisk for a while. Instead, Frisk tosses their spear backwards haphazardly and Undyne has to slow to evade it. It still hits her, but does no damage; she pauses for a moment... confused. She finds herself a few feet further back than where she should be...
Continuing to pursue the child, she yells out. "Coward! ! !"
In front of the sign to Hotland, Frisk gets a call from Papyrus... Undyne stops politely. She may be trying to kill Frisk, but she isn't rude...
"HEY! WHAT'S UP!? I WAS JUST THINKING... YOU, ME, AND UNDYNE SHOULD ALL HANG OUT SOMETIME! I THINK YOU WOULD MAKE GREAT PALS! LET'S MEET UP AT HER HOUSE LATER!" He hangs up before Frisk can reply.
Undyne catches Frisk after they finish their call.
"STOP RUNNING AWAY!"
Frisk immediately runs away, saying "I'll hang out with you later Undyne, I really need to talk to Sans!"
As they enter Hotland, Undyne stops as she sees Sans sleeping at his station.
Frisk yells "Hey Sans! See you at the resort!" as they run by.
When the two finally make it near the Hotland Lab, Undyne collapses on the bridge from the heat...
"Armour so hot... But I can't... Give up..."
Frisk takes a cup of cool water to her, and pours it on her face.
Undyne starts to feel a little better and gets up... She sees Frisk standing in front of her with a subtle smile and an empty cup...
She turns around and leaves, slightly humiliated.
:-:
Alphys is studying the Artifact as thoroughly as possible. She found segments of some arcane patterns that are still active, and is looking for more. Instead of thinking out loud as usual, Alphys simply thinks.
'It looks like it's powered by... Determination? Maybe... maybe I can isolate the DT energy traces and find where it was stored...'
'Maybe I should cut it in half...? No... no that could break something... This is really complex... I'm going to need a bunch of Perseverance magic to trace it all... I wonder if Sans is free?'
Alphys decides against calling Sans for help, she continues thinking while examining the Artifact. 'The last thing I need is Sans pulling some prank on me while working... Like when he flipped my screen upside down when I was trying to perfect SOUL inversion therapy... I thought I succeeded ... I would have tried to finish the NEO project if I hadn't figured it out... Who knows what the excess DT energy would have done to Mettaton...'
Sighing, Alphys leaves the elevator to the True lab and turns on the lights... She has a sudden flash of Deja Vu as she sees a human... the situation feels eerily familiar. Alphys feels very nervous.
Alphys freaks out. "Oh. My god. I didn't expect you to show up so soon! I haven't showered, I'm barely dressed, it's all messy, and..."
Frisk speaks up. "It's OK Alphys."
Alphys calms down slightly... "Ummm... Y-you know my name? H-h-hiya!"
Knowing what is going to happen next, Frisk asks "So, before Mettaton bursts out of the wall, can we cut to the chase? I know all of your secrets... I just want to go meet up with Sans to see if he found out anything from the Legendary Artifact."
A few awkward moments pass... "W-w-what...? Y-you... know a-all my... s-secrets?... Eheheh... heh... Uh... I... I don't h-have any... s-secrets... Eheheheh..."
Frisk hopes that by revealing their special power they can cut out all the unneeded puzzles. "Yes. You have amalgamates in the basement because of a failed Determination experiment. Flowey, aka Asriel, is alive because of you, but you don't know it yet. Undyne... well, actually I'll save that one for later."
Alphys is very shocked, she starts shaking and muttering and steps back...
In a reassuring voice, Frisk says "I have already done all this Alphys, I saved monsters... Something bad happened when we got to the surface, but everything will be OK... I just need to prepare for it before we leave again."
Alphys is a bit confused... she doesn't quite understand how this child could have done everything before... then she remembers Riverperson's cryptic message... and the prophecy. "S-so... this all... all ready... happened? H-how?"
Loud banging is heard and the room shakes, the lights go out and Mettaton bursts out of the wall... "OHHHH YES! WELCOME, BEAUTIES..." A spotlight over Mettaton turns on and he continues, " TO TODAY'S QUIZ SHOW! ! !"
Frisk pinches their nose in a face of subtle frustration. The day in particular hasn't been bad, but something has put them in a bad mood... Maybe they're just a little hungry.
Frisk speaks up before Mettaton can continue. "Mettaton, I know that Alphys has put you up to this... but we have more important things to deal with right now."
Mettaton looks to Alphys, who looks back and shrugs with a nervous smile. "DARLING, DID YOU RUIN THE SURPRISE SO SOON? I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SURPRISE REVEAL!"
Nervously, Alphys responds "N-no Mettaton! I-I... T-they... They said already knew a-and that they already saved monsters before and t-they know all of m-my secrets!"
Not convinced, Mettaton looks to Frisk, "WELL, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO SOLVE THIS! A QUIZ SHOW! LET'S CONTINUE! I'M SORRY FOR THE INTERRUPTION MY ... 12 VIEWERS! EVERYONE GIVE A BIG HAND FOR OUR WONDERFUL CONTESTANT!"
Frisk is a little annoyed... they go along with it anyway. It's silly for them to be in such a rush since time moves slower outside the barrier.
The faux audience claps and colourful spotlights turn on to reveal Frisk.
"SO GORGEOUS, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE ALREADY PLAYED BEFORE, BUT I WILL GO OVER THE RULES FOR YOU ANYWAY. JUST IN CASE WE HAVE ANY NEW VIEWERS! IT IS VERY SIMPLE REALLY, THERE IS ONLY ONE RULE. ANSWER CORRECTLY... OR YOU DIE!"
Frisk sighs.
:-:
The quiz show goes on about the same as it did the first time, except this time Frisk answers each question immediately as it's being asked... First Mettaton verifies that Frisk knows that they'll be asked more questions if they answer correctly, then he asks if they know the kings full name, followed by asking what robots are made of, then an overly complicated math question. Immediately after the math question, Mettaton asks Frisk to count flies in a jar, followed by a trick "who's this monster" question (the monster is Mettaton, with a Froggit on his chassis)... When Mettaton asks if Frisk will smooch a ghost, they are taken by surprise. They have forgotten about that question... There's only one available answer... "Heck Yeah"...
After the perpetually extending question, for how many letters are in Mettatonnnnn-*'s name, Mettaton asks what Mew Mew's favourite food is... and Alphys excitedly exclaims the answer before Frisk can.
"OH! OH! I KNOW THIS ONE! IT'S SNAIL ICE CREAM! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! IN THE FOURTH CHAPTER EVERYONE GOES TO THE BEACHANDSHEBUYSICECREAMFORALLOFHERFRIENDS! ! ! ! BUT IT'S SNAIL FLAVOURANDSHE'STHEONLYONEWHOWANTSIT! IT'SONEOFMYFAVOURITEPARTSOFTHEGAMEBECAUSE IT'S ACTUALLY A VERY POWERFUL message about friendship and..."
Alphys becomes very aware of her fangirl outburst...
Mettaton responds "ALPHYS, ALPHYS, ALPHYS. YOU AREN'T HELPING OUR CONTESTANT ARE YOU?"
Alphys shakes her head nervously "N-no! T-they answered all the questions before I could help!"
Ignoring her pleas, Mettaton continues "OOOOOOH! ! ! YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME. I'LL ASK A QUESTION... YOU'LL BE SURE TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO! WHO DOES DR. ALPHYS HAVE A CRUSH ON?"
Frisk ignores the available options and makes their own by manipulating the magic Mettaton put out, then says "Alphys had a huge crush on Asgore for a while, but now she has a crush on Undyne. Now that the quiz show is over, can we please skip the lasers and puzzles? I'm supposed to be meeting Sans at the resort..."
Mettaton is excited to hear that, "MY MYYY! ! YOU DON'T MEAN TO SAY THE MTT RESORT IN HOTLAND, HOME OF YOURS TRULY, DO YOU GORGEOUS? WELL, WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST SAY SO! ! I ALWAYS APPRECIATE FANS THAT PROMOTE MY BRAND, DARLING! DON'T YOU WORRY, I WILL MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FIRST CLASS SEATS (IF YOU RESERVE THEM)!"
Mettaton wraps up the show. "WELL WELL WELL, IF YOU REALLY DO ALREADY KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, DARLING THEN THE SHOW HAS NO DRAMATIC TENSION! WE CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS! ! ! BUT. BUT! ! ! THIS WAS JUST THE PILOT EPISODE! NEXT UP, MORE DRAMA! MORE ROMANCE! ! ! MORE BLOODSHED! ! ! UNTIL NEXT TIME, DARLINGS! ! !" The lights return to normal after Mettaton rockets off.
Frisk turns to Alphys. "We should talk, Alphys. I need to get you up to speed..."
Alphys is hesitant and feeling particularly exposed due to the secret sharing, "...Uh... W-what are... are we going t-to talk about? What d-do you need to g-get me up t-t-to speed on?... Heh..."
"We need to talk about what happened before I RESET."
"R-RESET?... I-I... I thought humans... couldn't use m-magic any more?"
In a matter-of-fact tone, Frisk replies "I can always SAVE, LOAD, and RESET."
Alphys is starting to calm down, if the human child is telling the truth... maybe everything wont be as bad as she thinks... she is still sceptical though. "O-okay... Uh, let's... talk?"
:-:
Over the course of half an hour, Frisk explains the events from after the barrier breaking the first time. They leave out key details, like Alphys and Undyne being a couple, because some surprises are best experienced first hand.
After explaining the past events, Frisk reiterates "the Artifact is the reason the barrier is up. According to our history book, the Seven Sages overloaded it with magic, to make it stop working, because a really bad flaw made it shoot magic all over the place. The surface is a very hostile place to live... Humans are barely surviving. After just a few weeks of being on the Surface A collosal... thing... showed up, and killed everyone."
After listening to Frisk... Alphys is shocked. "So... we g-got out, just for everyone to d-d-die? Does that mean there's no p-point in leaving?"
Frisk shakes their head, "No, that's not what I mean. We just need to find a way to stop that giant creature... I think Sans is planning on using the Artifact to trap it until we can find a way to... kill it."
Alphys thinks for a moment, before replying "With the Artifact fixed, we c-could take the barrier down when we are ready... then put it b-back up when in danger... b-but how are we going to power it? Didn't it t-take seven human magi to put it up in the first place?"
Frisk nods "Yea, but we still have the six SOULs; plus me. I think it'll work."
Frustrated that a solution has been right under their noses the whole time, Alphys sighs... "Why d-didn't we try this s-sooner?... It's been here the whole time..."
While shrugging Frisk Says "maybe it started to activate as the magic leaked out, and some magic stuff activated to keep people from messing with it?"
Thinking back on the activated arcane patterns, Alphys has an idea. "S-so... you c-can use magic right?"
Frisk nods, then summons a green band-aid bullet. It is getting easier and easier for them to clear their mind. "I can use all types of magic."
"Maybe you c-can help, I need to use uh... purple magic to analyse the Artifact."
Shaking their head, Frisk says "I can only really use Green magic reliably right now... I still need to learn how to use the other magic types properly... I just made a purple spear instead of a cyan one, like Undyne's..."
Feeling slightly dissuaded, Alphys thinks for a moment... then has an idea. "Oh! I know, what if I ... uh... teach you how to use P-purple magic?... I c-can't use it, but I know how it works...?"
Frisk gives a little smile, "yea, we could try that... wait... actually... I am supposed to meet Sans at the resort for a magic lesson."
A little disappointed, but also secretly relieved, Alphys responds. "O-oh, well I'm sure that he'll be around by the t-time you get there..."
Frisk shrugs, "Yea, you're probably right... but I don't want to keep him waiting."
Smiling nervously, Alphys says, "Okay, t-that's fine... Just talk to me when you're ready!"
As Frisk turns to leave, Alphys stops them and hurries over. "Wait, wait! Let me give you my ph-phone number! Th-then... m-maybe... If you need help, I could..."
Frisk hands over their Cell Phone, and Alphys realizes how old it is... "Wh... where'd you get that phone?! It's ANCIENT! It doesn't even have texting. W-wait a second please!"
Alphys takes the cell phone and hurries away. The sounds of improvement are heard from upstairs, and Alphys returns after about a minute.
Holding the phone out for Frisk, she says "here, I upgraded it for you! It can do texting, items, it's got a key chain... I even signed you up for the Underground's No. 1 social network! Now we're officially friends! Ehehehe! Heheh... Heh..."
An awkward silence fills the room as Alphys looks nervously from side to side...
Frisk speaks up "You also put a laser gun, jet pack, and bomb defusing tool on it... because of the stuff you planned with Mettaton."
Alphys blushes out of sheer nervousness, she was caught red handed... "Y-yes... uh... do you... w-want me to... remove them? heh..."
Frisk replies dismissively. "No, it's fine. I have a feeling I'll need them. It seems there are some things I can't change, no matter how much I try..." Then happily says, "thanks Alphys, see you later!"
Alphys just waves goodbye with an awkward smile as Frisk leaves.
Frisk takes a moment to call Toriel after leaving the Lab...
"Hello, my child. Do you need something?"
Frisk responds cheerily "Just wanted to say hello."
"Oh! Well then... Hello!... Are you alright?"
Frisk wavers for a moment, but remains calm. "Yea, I just met Undyne and Alphys again."
Toriel sounds happy "Well that sounds wonderful, did it go well?"
Thinking back on recent events... Frisk can't say exactly... "It went well enough..."
"Hmm... Hopefully your next encounter with them will be better. If there is nothing else then I should probably go. Call again if you need anything!"
"Ok, bye!"
Frisk remembers that they forgot to ask Alphys to disable the traps ahead, they go back inside... but she isn't anywhere Frisk can find her. 'Alphys is probably in the True lab... I'll just send her a text...'
After taking a moment to change their name on the phone, and update their name and settings on the Undernet, Frisk sends Alphys a text.
To: ALPHYS
Hey Alphys, did u disable teh puzzles
so I wont hav 2 do them agin?
:-:
It takes a few moments before Frisk realizes that Alphys doesn't know them by "LgnDairyFlrtMstr."
To: ALPHYS
This is the Human, btw.
:-:
It takes a few minutes before Alphys replies...
From: ALPHYS
Oh! Hey... sorry.
I tried to disable them, but they're not
responding? ?
To: ALPHYS
It's K. I 'll just do them again...
:-:
Disappointed, Frisk walks out of the back of Lab and into Hotland.
The lasers and puzzles are all activated like before... but they seem different somehow, like the patterns have been changed.
Frisk makes a few mistakes, but they're otherwise OK.
The glowing magma in the depths of the cavern make Frisk uncomfortably warm, the smell of sulphur stings their nose, and the glare of bright lights assaults their eyes... Hotland seems more... hostile than before.
Though they don't have any problems with the monsters, they seem to attack more frequently... Frisk keeps their guard up. Mettaton probably decided to go off-script early.
All of the usual spots where Mettaton should appear are, instead, inhabited by other monsters. It makes the trip through the maze-like paths a little faster, but Frisk wonders... 'What does Mettaton have up his metal sleeves?'
Thanks to Frisk thinking ahead, and turning off the notifications from the Undernet, they don't have to worry about Alphys distracting them... which is nice.
Eventually making it to where Heats Flamesman is standing, and to Sans' station, Frisk takes a moment to ask Sans a question.
"Heya Sans, have any 'Hot dog...?'s?"
Sans replies, "i sure do kiddo. here you go, one 'hot dog...?' for ya. That'll be 30g"
Frisk hands over 30g and takes the "Hot Dog...?," then puts it into Dimensional Box A.
Tilting their head to the side slightly, Frisk asks, "so, I'll see you at the resort?"
"yep. oh, hey, be careful. looks like someone's up to something. they built a huge set near muffet's place. i also saw someone move some stuff around."
Thankful of the warning, Frisk smiles subtly while replying. "will do, thanks for the warning Sans."
Sans winks and says, "no prob, kiddo."
Frisk waves goodbye to Sans and continues through Hotland... They question why they didn't ask if Sans could just switch the meeting to here... but it's too late, Sans is gone.
When Frisk arrives to where the Apron is supposed to be... it isn't there. Instead, the Frying pan is. 'Ah... That must have been what Sans was talking about...'
Frisk picks up the Frying pan and backtracks to where it's supposed to be... The Apron is there. Frisk takes the Apron and equips it, then removes the Ribbon because it clashes with the Apron.
Frisk puts their stick into Box B and double checks their pockets and Dimensional Boxes:
Pockets: MnstrCndyx3, Bandaid, SpidrCidr, SnowPiece, Ribbon.
Box A: Ab Quiche, Hot Dog...?
Box B: Stick.
Equipped:
Frying Pan
Stained Apron
Gold: 537
:-:
Proceeding forward, Frisk encounters less monsters.
:-:
* Knowing that the mouse will someday hack the safe and get the cheese... Fills Frisk with Determination.
:-:
Frisk forgets to SAVE before continuing forward. By the time they remember, they are already in front of Muffet's lair.
Frisk carefully walks in... the spider webs are all still there, but... Muffet isn't there...
Instead, there's a couch, a table... and a Desk? The room also looks smaller than before...
When Frisk walks through the entrance... the lights in the room go out. A single spotlight turns on to show the desk and Mettaton sitting at it.
"WELCOME BEAUTIES AND GENTLE BEAUTIES TO... THE TALK SHOW "SPEAKING WITH MTT!" TODAY WE HAVE TWO VERY SPECIAL GUESTS THAT ARE GOING TO BATTLE IT OUT AS THEY DISCUSS THE GOINGS ON! ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL?! GIVE A BIG HAND FOR OUR FIRST GUEST... THE LOVELY LITTLE MUFFET!"
A faux audience applauses from somewhere as a second spot light activates to reveal Muffet, descending from the ceiling. When she lands she gives a small curtsy, then sits on the couch.
"Ahuhuhu~ Hello dearies!"
Frisk has a feeling that the Spider Cider wont help them anymore...
"NOW... WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, WE WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OUR SECOND, EQUALLY SPECIAL GUEST... THE HUMAN! ! !"
Another round of applause from the faux audience, and a third spotlight to reveal Frisk. Frisk decides to play along... They curtsy, and sit on the couch next to Muffet.
The lights in the room turn back on.
"I SEE, THE STRONG SILENT TYPE ARE WE? WELL, THAT JUST WONT DO! THIS IS A TALK SHOW! NOW LET US DISCUSS... ME! TELL ME, HUMAN, AS AN OUTSIDER TO THE UNDERGROUND, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MY FABULOUS SELF?"
Frisk thinks for a moment... then replies. "I think we could be good friends... If you were not trying to kill me."
The faux audience erupts into laughter.
"A WONDERFUL ANSWER INDEED! NOW MUFFET DEAR, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LITTLE OL' MTT?"
Muffet doesn't hesitate, "Well dearie, I think your attitude towards spiders is very good! At first I thought you would be a delicious little snack to put in the pastries, but metal doesn't mix well with dough and spiders. Ahuhuhu~"
Frisk nods, adding "Yea, Mettaton is crazy about anyone willing to be his fan. Really, really, great." Frisk also takes the opportunity to try putting Mettaton in a tight spot. "I heard he's VERY generous, too."
Feigning humility Mettaton retorts "OOOH STOP IT YOU TWO, YOU ARE MAKING MY CIRCUITS BLUSH! MUFFET DARLING, WHY DON'T YOU TELL OUR WONDERFUL AUDIENCE ABOUT YOURSELF?"
"Ahuhu~ I would be glad to! I'm a spider, and I'm trying to raise money to get the Spiders from the RUINS here... we've tried quite hard, but so far only one person has bought a pastry!"
Posing as dramatically as he can, in his boxy form, Mettaton exclaims. "OH MY, YOU POOR THING! NOT TO WORRY DARLING I MADE A PROMISE TO HELP AND I WILL! LET'S GET TO THE HUMAN HERE BEFORE WE START OUR NEXT SEGMENT 'THE BALANCE OF DEATH!' SO HUMAN, WHY DON'T YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?"
Frisk thinks for a moment before responding.
Frisk starts off speaking excitedly. "Well, Mettaton, I'm here to save monster kind! I ran off to explore and fell down here, and now I'm gonna save everyone."
Then switches to a sombre tone, "I already did once, but I had to RESET because something bad happened... I was hoping to get through Hotland the second time without much trouble, but you seem to have taken it as a challenge to surprise me."
Intrigued, Muffet asks, "Save monsters you say? Surely that includes spiders, yes?"
Frisk nods and pulls out the Spider Cider briefly, then puts on a thoughtful, nostalgia filled, face. "When I first came here, I only had enough money to get this one Spider Cider... but I have been saving money up till now, and I'd like to donate it to you Muffet!"
The faux audience goes wild with "Awww"s, clapping, and whistling while magic-works go off and Mettaton poses dramatically again. He interrupts Muffet before she can speak. "OH MY WHAT A GENEROUS OFFER! SURELY YOU ARE THE SAVIOUR OF MONSTERS...! OR... ARE YOU? YOU SEE, I THINK THAT MAYBE... YOU'RE REALLY JUST A LITTLE TRICKSTER TRYING TO GET OUR HOPES UP... SO I HAVE DEVISED THE NEXT SEGMENT... TO TEST YOUR METTLE DARLING!"
The stage lights switch to multicoloured lights that dance around the room as Mettaton continues speaking.
"IT IS TIME NOW TO SWITCH OVER TO THE NEXT SEGMENT OF OUR SHOW, 'THE BALANCE OF DEATH!' WHERE OUR TWO LOVELY GUESTS, AND YOURS TRULY, WILL LITERALLY BALANCE ON THE EDGE... OF LIFE AND DEATH!"
The faux audience cheers as the room shifts. 'It wasn't Muffet's lair after all... It was just the entrance with a stage set put over it...'
Once the stage extends out over the chasm, it begins lowering several floors to put the lava into view... Then, the floor splits and Frisk is forced to stand on a rope...
Frisk is now standing over a pit of lava... on a tight rope. Frisk is a little nervous, but they manage to keep their balance.
"MY MY LOOK AT THIS MY... 8 VIEWERS! HERE WE HAVE THE BRAVE, SELF-PROCLAIMED HERO OF MONSTERS ON THIS PRECARIOUS LITTLE ROPE! DO YOU THINK THEY WILL SURVIVE THEIR FIGHT TO THE DEATH?! LET'S FIND OUT!"
Frisk gulps... 'Maybe I can... stall for time? Or... make it boring?...'
Their thoughts are interrupted as Muffet appears on the other side, "Don't look so blue, my deary~"
Muffet pours purple tea on the rope, turning it purple. Frisk's SOUL turns purple in response, and two more tight ropes appear beside the first. Background music fit for a battle starts to play.
'Maybe this wont be as hard as I thought... Hmmm... Oh! Maybe I can do what I did in my fight with Mettaton and get the ratings up super high... But this is supposed to be a death battle talk show...? Hmmm...'
Giggling, Muffet continues speaking "...I think purple looks much better on you! Ahuhuhuhu~"
Suddenly, Frisk feels... different. Their SOUL is resonating strongly with Muffet's magic... They feel... Perseverance... and spiders.
Frisk remembers the Perseverance magic from their SAVE star. They look within themselves and see that most of it is still there... They take advantage of their excess magic and try to use it to their benefit...
After a moment, the ropes suddenly split into an interconnected criss-crossing pattern. Frisk is taken by surprise, but at least they have more freedom of movement now... They also feel oddly drained.
Upon seeing the feat of magic, Mettaton dramatically poses and shouts "OOOOH MY! HOW SHOCKING, HOW SURPRISING! TRULY A TWIST WE DIDN'T EXPECT! THE HUMAN CAN USE MAGIC! WELL WELL, THIS REALLY SPICES THINGS UP! WHAT DOES OUR DEAR LITTLE HUMAN HAVE IN STORE FOR US NEXT?!"
Shortly after Mettaton's exclamation, spiders and pastries begin flying through the area, while Mettaton occasionally pops in to throw a few bombs, and Frisk... talks and dodges.
:-:
Just like Mettaton said, the participants fight to the death while talking about the goings on.
Frisk talks about everything they've done in the Underground thus far, then asks, "what are your dreams, Muffet?"
Muffet replies "Ahuhuhu~ Curious are we, dearie? My only desire is to get the Spiders out of the RUINS safely... Mettaton promised to help if I helped with his show."
With a nod, Frisk dodges more bullets before asking, "Mettaton, is it true that you like Mew Mew Kissy Cutie 1 over Mew Mew Kissy Cutie 2?"
Mettaton hesitates for a moment before replying "HOW DEVIOUS! MY SECRET IS REVEALED! YES, I LIKE MMKC 1 OVER MMKC 2; BUT I HONESTLY THINK THEY ARE BOTH OVERRATED DARLING! YOU SHOULD WATCH ME INSTEAD!"
The next wave of attacks is a little more difficult.
Mettaton doesn't appreciate Frisk talking about another show while on his.
Alphys tries calling Frisk, but they can't pick the phone up right now.
"WHAT'S THIS? A PHONE CALL DURING THE SHOW? TSK TSK DARLING! THAT MEANS YOU HAVE TO FACE A PENALTY ROUND!"
Mettaton starts to take a more active role in the fight, which includes talking.
Several rounds pass, and without access to the gun on their phone, which requires their SOUL to be yellow, Frisk can't avoid being hit every time.
Mettaton comments "LISTEN, DARLING. I'VE SEEN YOU FIGHT. YOU'RE WEAK. IF YOU CONTINUE FORWARD, ASGORE WILL TAKE YOUR SOUL. AND WITH YOUR SOUL, ASGORE WILL DESTROY HUMANITY."
After another round of almost impossible to dodge bullets, Mettaton continues talking.
"BUT IF I GET YOUR SOUL, I CAN STOP ASGORE'S PLAN! I CAN SAVE HUMANITY FROM DESTRUCTION! THEN, USING YOUR SOUL, I'LL CROSS THROUGH THE BARRIER... AND BECOME THE STAR I'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF BEING!"
Frisk is getting tired... They don't think they can keep this up much longer. They're starting to make mistakes and they only have the snowman piece left, which they don't want to use... Frisk doesn't want to risk trying to use healing magic either, because it might take too long to be effective... 'Thank goodness this apron is enchanted with healing magic...'
The next onslaught of attacks isn't too hard to avoid... fortunately.
Mettaton continues talking. "HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS... NO! MILLIONS OF HUMANS WILL WATCH ME! -"
Frisk interrupts, "There are only a few thousand humans left, actually... And if you leave without me... they'll probably kill you."
Mettaton wiggles one of his fingers and retorts, "NOT SO FAST BABY, I KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR SILVER TONGUE... YOU CAN'T FOOL ME!"
Then Frisk remembers about the switch on Mettaton's back... 'Maybe... I can flip that switch and have Mettaton join the fight for real? Tire him out and make the show stop... Why didn't I think of that sooner?'
After a barrage of croissants and lightning bolts, Frisk exclaims, "Wow! That magic mirror that I made, directly behind Mettaton, is still there? I thought it would surely have fallen by now!"
Frisk really didn't need to try hard to convince Mettaton to turn around... "OH? A MIRROR? RIGHT, I HAVE TO LOOK ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR OUR GRAND FINALE! IT'S TIME FOR A UNION MANDATED BREAK ANYHOW, DARLINGS! HMM... I DON'T-?"
After he turns around, Frisk quickly flips the switch on his back.
"DID YOU. JUST FLIP. MY SWITCH?"
Mettaton goes through his transformation process and the room suddenly gets blindingly bright.
Mettaton exclaims "OOOH YEEES~!" after his transformation is complete.
The room goes dark, the background music changes to something more dramatic, smoke machines turn on... and two spotlights lower to shine on where Mettaton is hidden behind the smoke.
"Ohhh my. If you flipped my switch, that can only mean one thing. You're desperate for the premiere of my new body. How rude... Lucky for you, I've been aching to show this off for a long time. So... as thanks, I'll give you a handsome reward. I'll make your last living moments..."
The room flashes for a moment, and Mettaton is fully revealed standing haphazardly on the tight ropes... Frisk worries about him falling... 'I didn't think this through very well...'
Mettaton continues speaking "ABSOLUTELY beautiful!"
And now... the ratings bar shows up... Frisk decides to stop talking, and Dance. Frisk replaces the Apron with the Ribbon.
As Frisk dances, the two monsters begin dancing along with them.
Frisk manages to avoid their attacks with greater ease, now that they are familiar with the new patterns.
With the dangers below them, Frisk is very careful... not only has it been a while since they SAVED, but they also don't want to find out how death by lava feels...
With every dramatic pose, every impromptu duet and trio dance, and with all of the violence, the ratings go up and up... until eventually they get to 12k.
Mettaton is impressed "OOH, LOOK A THESE RATINGS! THIS IS THE MOST VIEWERS I'VE EVER HAD! WE'VE REACHED THE VIEWER CALL-IN MILESTONE! ONE LUCKY VIEWER WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO TALKE TO ME... BEFORE I LEAVE THE UNDERGROUND FOREVER! LET'S SEE WHO CALLS IN FIRST!"
The phone in Mettaton's body rings "HI, YOU'RE ON TV! WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ON THIS, OUR LAST SHOW? ? ?"
The tense dramatic background music is replaced with a more sedated and sad one.
The caller says, ". . . . .oh. . . . . . . . hi. . . mettaton. . . i really liked watching your show. . . my life is pretty boring. . ."
Mettaton starts feeling sad.
The caller continues. "but. . . seeing you on the screen... brought excitement to my life. . . vicariously. i can't tell, but. . . i guess this is the last episode. . . ? i'll miss you. . . mettaton. . . . ."
That last statement fills Mettaton with guilt and sadness. . . the caller continues. ". . . oh. . . . i didn't mean to talk so long. . . oh. . . . . . . . . ."
Mettaton stops looking guilty, they look more frustrated with themselves "NO, WAIT! WAIT, BL... H... THEY ALREADY HUNG UP..." Briefly, the look of guilt flashes across Mettaton's face again before he continues. "I'LL TAKE ANOTHER CALLER!"
All the next calls were similar. Monsters say how much his show has moved them, and how much they will miss him...
With a bitter sweet smile, Mettaton says, "AH... I... I SEE... EVERYONE... THANK YOU SO MUCH..."
Taking on a happier face, he continues "DARLING. PERHAPS... IT MIGHT BE BETTER IF I STAY HERE FOR A WHILE. HUMANS ALREADY HAVE STARS AND IDOLS, BUT MONSTERS... THEY ONLY HAVE ME."
Mettaton pauses for a moment and continues, sad and guilty "IF I LEFT... THE UNDERGROUND WOULD LOSE ITS SPARK. I'D LEAVE AN ACHING VOID THAT CAN NEVER BE FILLED. SO... I THINK I'LL HAVE TO DELAY MY BIG DEBUT."
Frisk interrupts, "Don't worry Mettaton, when we free all the monsters again, you'll have your chance to be everyone's star! There are none on the surface... You don't have to stop being the monster's star to be a star for humans as well!"
Mettaton is becoming more and more convinced that Frisk really did save monsters already... He's been denying it... but he has felt that Frisk was familiar, like an old friend. Maybe... just maybe... Frisk was telling the truth...
Mettaton replies appreciatively "THANK YOU, HUMAN, FOR BELIEVING IN ME... EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T BELIEVE IN YOU. I MAY BE THE STAR, BUT YOU ARE REALLY OUTSHINING ME DARLING..."
Mettaton thinks for a moment... then says, with a devious smile, "IF WHAT YOU SAY IS TRUE, I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TRY HARDER... SO I CAN BE THE VERY BEST STAR I CAN BE, FOR HUMANS AND MONSTERS! I BELIEVE IN YOU NOW DARLING, SO MAKE US PROUD!"
The set returns to its original position and Frisk is helped off the tight ropes... soon after, Mettaton's batteries die. Frisk is glad they were able to stop the fight so soon.
Alphys rushes in and examines him, "Oh thank GOD! It's just the batteries. I saw the whole thing on TV, I was really worried the heat from the lava would cause him to malfunction... but it turns out the lava was... fake."
Frisk replies casually "It didn't feel fake... I figured you would have come sooner, what kept you?"
Nervously, Alphys replies "O-oh! That's because they used heaters to make it feel real! Also... I was examining t-the Legendary Artifact... I... uh... didn't actually see the whole thing... Eheh... heh..."
Frisk goes to look at how they managed to make it look like they went downwards... It's a combination of well placed lights, fans to make the lava patterns look like they are subtly moving, rolling fabric screens to recreate the view, and some heaters to make it uncomfortably hot...
Looking back to Alphys, Frisk replies. "Oh, ok. Let me know what you find, OK?"
"S-sure! I... uh... I'll text you, OK?"
Frisk nods and walks over to Muffet, who is standing politely to the side, and gives her the gold they promised. "Here you go Muffet, 537 gold."
Muffet is pleased with their donation.
"Why thank you dearie! Your donation will let us finally get all the spiders out of the RUINS! Maybe we could even open up a new bakery!"
Frisk gives a little smile and continues on to their destination... the MTT Resort.
:-:
Sans is standing outside of the resort, waiting.
Frisk tries to hold in a yawn, but fails... Frisk says "hey Sans..." after their yawn subsides.
Sans replies casually. "hey kiddo, you look pretty tired. sure you're up for this right now?"
Feeling a little frustrated, Frisk retorts. "I'm fine, I was just hoping to avoid having to fight Mettaton... but I couldn't."
"alright, well, let's get some grub then."
Trying to be humorous, Frisk asks "You reserved the plates, utensils, and food right? Heh..."
"yep, a neat little meal. don't worry, its on me... you know, you should probably eat more than candy and pie."
After replying, Sans waves for Frisk to follow and teleports them to the restaurant's check-in clerk... he actually did reserve the meals...
Winking at Frisk's amazement, he replies "when you told mettaton that you were gonna meet me here, he made sure i reserved everything so he could record us enjoying it..."
It takes a moment, but the pieces click for Frisk... "Wait, he was trying to kill me though... why go through all that trouble?"
Sans simply shrugs as they are taken to their table. Frisk doesn't see any cameras... but they can feel them.
The meal is actually... nice. Frisk chats with Sans about stuff that happened in the previous timeline, but eventually can't keep themself awake... they fall asleep at the table... At least they finished their food.
Sans takes them to HOME, and tucks them into bed. "g'night, kiddo, we can have that lesson tomorrow."
Despite not remembering Frisk from before the RESET, Sans feels the same fond recollection that all the other monsters feel. He was sceptical at first, but Frisk has proven themselves time and again now...
Sans thinks to himself as he teleports to his own room, 'Tomorrow is going to be a rather busy day...'
:-:
* A WHISPER IS HEARD THROUGH THE VOID.
"...Frisk?"