Behind Closed Doors: Chapter 4 - Puzzles and Conversation
As you follow behind her and exit the previous room, another one is shown as she walks quickly up the stairs and into the next. You're drawn, however, to the mysterious twinkling light above the pile of fallen leaves. When you reach out and touch it you jump back as it flashes.
Thinking nothing of it, you continue on your journey and go up the stairs to re-join your guide. After entering you notice the odd stone door with a sign posted next to it, both looking rather old and a little worn.
Toriel grabs your attention by matter-of-factly saying "Allow me to educate you in the operation of the RUINS.. The RUINS are full of puzzles, ancient fusions between diversions and doorkeys-"
You smile and politely raise your hand half-way, jesting and saying in a light-hearted tone "Toriel, I'm well-aware of how puzzles work, I promise." She pauses for a moment in a bit of surprise. "Is that so?" Toriel seems to be a little unsure of what to do, then turns to you with another sweet smile. "...Well, would you humor an old goat-lady, at least?"
You inhale and exhale sharply through your nose, nodding and confirming with a playful defeated tone, "Okay, okay." She brightly smiles and steps on Toriel solves the first puzzle and throws the lever, causing the large stone door to scrape open. As you enter quickly behind her, you see a painfully obvious puzzle ahead with a 'CLEARLY' marked levers.
After Toriel explains this room, you swiftly flip the levers and follow suit after hearing her speak. "Splendid! I'm proud of you." As you enter the next room, you learn about monsters wanting to fight you, Toriel scolding a monster for attempting to attack you, and more puzzles beyond for quite some time.
Eventually, Toriel brings you to the end of a long hallway and notes that you must complete this next puzzle by yourself. Before she can run off, you gingerly grab her sleeve and speak up. "Toriel? Can you wait for just a moment, please?" With a puzzled look, she tilts her head and nods. "Of course. Is there something wrong, my child?"
You sigh and smile lightly, though it's clear for the sake of the situation it's just a smile. "Kind of..? I mean, I'm really appreciative of the help you're giving me but I'm a young adult, not a child. I'm in my twenties."
As you note your age she smiles and laughs lightly. "I'm quite aware of your age, Manny. But take it from a very old, goat. This place is different from the surface.. Monsters do not exactly take kindly to humans, and I will explain why. For now, why don't we just get to my home and we can discuss anything further?"
Your smile seemed a little more genuine now. "..I'd like that, thank you." Before you even left the room she paused abruptly. "Oh! I had almost forgotten.. Here, take this. If you ever need to call, my number is in there."
She hands you a flip-phone and you take it with a thankful nod. "Woah, haven't seen a flip-phone in a long time.. since I was a kid."
After talking to various monsters, convincing Toriel you can solve disputes on your own, and buying.. 'Spider Donuts' Which were actually pretty good, you eventually made it to a large, leafless tree. Toriel seemed a little more energetic than her normal behavior. "Ah, we are here. Please come, I have a surprise." You raised an eyebrow out of curiosity but followed.
To be continued! Nothing particularly special to write here. Just remember that the feedback given is highly appreciated, and as are all the messages!
-RampantMemory