Disclaimer: I don't own Undertale and thank you to all thats reviewing, following and favoriting this story. It means alot and it's a great motivator.
Frisk took a deep breath and wiped her brow once she was back in Hotland. She was far from that bridge, yet her mind kept going back to that river person. Come on Frisk, you need to keep moving. Maybe they aren't that important…
She nodded her head to herself and started walking until she noticed the shine of dark black metal, and stopped in her tracks. Her heart raced, and she looked down out of reflex like she would at home when walking through town with Knights around. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she slowly moved, she tried to remind herself that these weren't the Knights at home but monsters.
She slowly looked up, seeing them in the armor as the heat made her sweat more, and she wiped at her head again. They have to be hot in that, no wonder Undine collapsed...
Passing and deciding not to bother with the magical golden star, Frisk quickly rushed past hoping to get away, out of sight and away from prying eyes. Monster or not, the sight of that armor made her nervous. She ran towards the large looming building that stood in front of her path, the word "LAB" was a shining beacon. Hope bloomed in her chest. Please have air conditioning!
Rushing inside, doors opened and closed behind her, the cold air had Frisk breathing a sigh of relief. No more scorching heat. Thank you, cold air. She couldn't imagine how an average human would survive down here, not with all the lava and its fumes surrounding them. Maybe they found shelter? Stop thinking so much Frisk, keep moving.
Enjoying the crisp air, Frisk stumbled around in the dark hoping to come across a light switch. Eyes squinting, she noticed a small source of light ahead. Feeling daring, and not wanting to have to go back into the heat, the tempting chance to investigate won. Having decided, she walked further down the hall only to come to a stop. Caught off guard, Frisk could only stare. There's a screen... no... large screens... She looked further to see them towering over her on the wall. Her eyes widened. It's me!
"What's going on…" She gasped, startled as she moved her arm to wave, and watched as her double copied her movement. A step back, then another, her legs trembling as she moved her head and twisted her body to look around. Who would do this? Why are they watching me? Officially creeped out, she wondered just how long was she being watched and why they had so much interest in her. How much did they see? A flash of a smiling skeleton invaded her mind, her face flushed red. Did they see...?
She covered her face with her hands, "Please, tell me they didn't…" She took a deep breath, peeking through her fingers, wondering just how bad her luck was. Feeling completely embarrassed, Frisk chose to walk further into the dark and away from the dimly lit area. She came to a stop in a darkened room. Scanning the area and she tried to see if she could spot anyone near her, the room suddenly brightened, and Frisk was partially blinded.
When her eyes adjusted, she jumped back. What's that? Is that a yellow dinosaur? She squinted, looking over it further as she started to calm down. In a lab coat and glasses? Oh, so it's another monster. She's kinda…cute. Frisk couldn't help but laugh at herself and felt relieved that this one was her height. So many monsters seemed taller than her, and she was starting to feel a bit nervous around all the more towering monsters.
The new monster froze. Looking a mixture of nervous, scared and bashful, the flustered dinosaur as the monster started to stutter. "Oh no! I wasn't ex- expecting you so soon!"
I think I freaked out the poor thing… Frisk looked her over while trying not to make things worse, she could tell this monster also sounded female. Making a mental note to refer the monster as such, Frisk fixed her attention to the yellow monster once more. A blush had started creeping into her face as she continued to stutter out an explanation. "I haven't go- gotten dressed, or took a s-sh-shower, or cleaned up, or…" She finished with a squeak, fidgeting badly as she played with her lab coat.
What do I do? How do I help her?
Not able to watch the monster continue to fret, she said the first thing that came to mind. "It's okay...really. How about we start over?" She gave a small attempt at a smile. "Hello, my name is Frisk." With renewed vigor, she held her hand out. It was up to the nervous monster if she wanted to shake back. Feeling grateful, the dinosaur gave a nervous smile back and took Frisk's hands. She looked at the feel of the monster's hands and was surprised she saw claws with how gentle the monster was.
"H-h-hiya. I'm Dr. Alphys. I'm... um... Asgore's royal scientist." She blushed with a smile and Frisk was surprised to hear the name. She wasn't what she would have thought Undyne would be interested in. I'm not one to judge. Frisk was nearly so caught up in her thoughts, she almost missed Alphys's rambling "I'm not a bad guy though. Ho-honest! In fact, um…" Alphys looked away blushing. "Since you came out the Ruins, I've been watching your journey. The fights! The friends you made! Everything!" She gushed, yet all Frisk could picture was that dance she did for Sans as her face heated up. So, this was who had been watching her? Her mind screamed.
"Everything?" Frisk squeaked.
"Y-ye-yes! I was um... was originally going to stop you but then I couldn't help but root for you!" She giggled. "So...um... ah...I-...I... want to help you instead! I can easily guide you through Hotland. I know the best way to get to Asgore and..."
The dance...she saw me dancing for Sans! Frisk eyes widened, the image became clearer. She wasn't distracted by Shyren like the others...she saw it!Her face flushed with realization.
"… um...are you okay? I- I promise there's on-only a tiny issue." Alphys stuttered out, and Frisk barely heard it over her inner freakout. "Frisk?" The monster repeated, and Frisk looked more at the scientist.
She blinked, coming out of it as she looked at the worried expression on Alphys face along with the sweat gathered on her forehead.
"I…I…" There was a guilty and sad tone in Alphys voice Frisk noticed and she was starting to get the idea that Alphys was scared she was in trouble with her. I can't let her think that…She smiled and quickly gave Alphys hand a comforting squeeze.
"What is it?"
Well, um…" Alphys started to fidget more. "A long time ago, I made a robot named Mettaton. Originally, I built him to be an entertainment robot."
"An entertainment robot?" Frisk tilted her head, her interest peaked.
"Um…ye-yeah, you know...like um...a robot tv star or something." Alphys looked away, flustered. "But I kinda...just recently" The monster shuffled, hesitant, "I decided to make him more useful. Just...some small practical adjustments." Her voice became softer with each word as she looked towards the floor, Frisk suddenly had an awful feeling.
"What kind of adjustments?" She asked with a grimace. She was thinking the worse, and each had to do with Alphys's newly upgraded 'entertainment' robot...
"Like...um…" More sweat dotted her forehead, and Alphys was looking everywhere except at Frisk. "A-an…. anti-human combat features?" She stammered out, and Frisk could see her curling into herself.
"Alphys!" Frisk shouted. Though her face had begun softening right after, she started regretting her brash reaction when she saw the dinosaur wince. She didn't mean to be so rude, but her mind was trying to process what could Alphys been thinking. Anti-human combat features? In an entertainment robot? Is there anything here that isn't trying to kill me and take my SOUL?
"Don't worry!" Alphys jumped to explain. "When I saw you coming, I immediately knew I had to remove those features!"
A breath of relief lodged in Frisk's throat. Finally, someone decided to give me a break. Grateful for the act of kindness, her lips had only started forming the words 'Thank you' until she took notice of the scientist's look of nervousness and Frisk's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"But…?" Frisk prompted with a sigh. I stand corrected. I'll never catch a break.
"But I... might have made a teensy mistake while doing so." The doctor's fingers fiddled together in a nervous jester.
"And?" Frisk suddenly felt so terrible feeling from before, coming back twice as strong.
"Now he's...um...an unstoppable killing machine with a thirst for human blood?" Alphys laughed nervously. Shifting from foot to foot as she waited for Frisk's response. "But I doubt we'll run into him!" She added with failed enthusiasm, "Um...hopefully?…"
Frisk's mouth pinched into a thin line, eyes squinting at the dinosaur. Her body wound tight as a feeling of dread slowly began creeping up her spine. Nothing good ever happens after those words… How am I supposed to beat a robot? Frisk wanted to pull at her hair in frustration. She didn't want to fight Alphys' creation, especially after her run in with Undine. I really hate fighting…
Suddenly the room began to shake. "What…?" Alphys yelped, looking around with shock. Frisk's face remained impassive, not surprised in the slightest with the turn of events. I knew those words would bring nothing good. Just my luck.
"D-did.. you hear something? I'm pr- pretty sure that's...Oh no!" Alphys shrieked. The shaking increased, a blast then dust was flying everywhere.
As the yellow monster and human regained their bearings, Frisk took notice of a figure. Posing dramatically, where the wall once resided, stood a rectangular robot, a screen flashing with yellow and reds lights, two long mechanical arms, rolling in place on a single wheel.
"Oooh yes! Welcome Beauties…To Today's Quiz Show!" The robot shouted, a microphone and a spotlight materializing seemingly out of thin air. Is that a neon sign behind him with 'Game Show' written on it... and where did all of the confetti come from? Frisk didn't understand any of the events that just happened in front of her. Where did the robot even get these things? Let alone have time to set them up!
Frisk was reeling from the confusing day she was having as she numbered everything that happened in her head. First the weird stalking with cameras, then finding out a 'tv star' robot wanted to kill her, and now said robot can pull things from out of thin air, set them up amazingly fast, and was hosting a quiz show. She wondered if counting to ten with her eyes closed would help and she'd open them then understand everything. Wait...Isn't this robot suppose to be thirsty for human blood? Why is he trying host a show still and not attacking me? This is so weird...
"I can already tell it's going to be a great show!" The robot shouted in excitement. Mettaton's free arm waved as if to command the disco balls to fall. Glittering around as the next odd thing to appeared and Frisk looked up as another thought came to mind. I wonder what else is stored in that ceiling.
"Show?" Frisk questioned as she looked over at Alphys. Interesting, she didn't look surprised about Mettaton's antics right now. Maybe this was normal for the robot? Alphys did create him, it would only be right that she would know how he usually acts. Still...she's been so nervous since I met her and now she's calm.
"So, let's get together and give a big round of applause for our contestant!" Mettaton shouted, interrupting Frisk's train of thought. The sound of applause rang around the room. Confused and startled, Frisk twisted around to look, she was sure there was no one else here, yet the applause grew louder. Disco lights of assorted colors shined everywhere, and it seemed to rain more confetti each second, but she couldn't see anyone else other then Mettaton and Alphys.
"Um...Alphys…" Frisk looked over at the dinosaur a second time, only for Mettaton to interrupt once more, coming closer with their microphone. At least the confetti stopped falling.
"Ever played, gorgeous?"
"I… um...no?" Frisk stuttered. Glancing around again, and Frisk hoped to find some form of help. I don't want to be on a show! No fights and no shows! No, thank you!
"That's fine, darling! The rules are so simple, there's only one! Answer correctly! Or you die!" Mettaton laughed.
"Die?" Frisk squeaked. Ahh, there's the bloodthirsty robot. Can't we just do a normal show?
Turning towards Alphys, she slipped far enough from the robot to whisper to the Doctor. " Die?" She repeated, wondering if this was all serious.
"D-don't wo- worry, okay? I promise to help you." A nervous but determined smile stretched over Alphys face.
"But ho-"
"Uh uh uh!" Mettaton nudged Frisk away from Alphys. "No cheating, darlings! That would ruin the drama! And now! It's time for the show!" Mettaton posed, and the invisible audience cheered wildly as a podium appeared in front of Frisk. A panel situating itself in front of where she stood.
How did he do that? Frisk looked around again, wondering just how Mettaton was doing this.
"Now dear," Mettaton paused, and Frisk was sure it was only for effect, "What's the prize for answering correctly?"
She watched while four panels started rolling then clank to a stop. Different answers appeared on each panel. She glanced at the robot again, awed as a counter appeared. Shifting her eyes over at Alphys, the dinosaur surprised her when she flashed a "D" card. Where did she even get letters? With the counter continuing to count down, Frisk decided she would ask later. She chose, "D: More questions".
"Correct! Glad that you understand." He praised. "And now for your next question! What is the King's full name?"
Relief at the easy question, Frisk pressed, "C: Asgore Dreemurr".
She watched as Alphys clapped for her, believing that she might not even have to help her as much as she thought. Beaming, her cheeks heated a bit at the applause.
"... and after such a terrific answer, here's your next question darling! We've heard enough about you, now let's talk about me!" Mettaton let out a loud, monotone sound of a kiss and Frisk blinked. "Just what are robots made of?"
Looking at her answers, then glancing over at Alphys, her hand hovered over "B: Metal & Magic". The yellow monster flashed the B card. Frisk pressed her answer, and Mettaton cheered along with the audience.
"Maybe we've just been too easy on you! I promise the next question won't disappoint you or my fans!" The robot swooped an arm over the top of his box, mimicking a human with his arm over his forehead. "Oh, the suspense is unbearable! I can hardly contain my excitement!" At another pause, Frisk's eye twitched at the robot's dramatics. "Now onto the next question! Two Trains. Train A and Train B simultaneously depart Station A and Station B and…." Frisk blinked, her mind blanked. Math? She was never good at these types of math questions! She barely understood a word and nearly missed when Mettaton finally finished the question, "Now let's hear the answer!"
I didn't hear! "I….um…" Frisk panicked. Turning a pleading look towards Alphys, eyes begging for help. Only to find a new letter displayed by the reliable scientist. Relieved, Frisk quickly pressed the suggested letter, not stopping to read the displayed answers.
"Wonderful! I'm astounded! Mystified! Such intelligence displayed by our contestant! But will she get this one?" Mettaton rolled from his spot. A large jar was revealed behind where he once stood. The giant jar was filled full of flies. "Just how many flies are in this jar?" The robot asked dramatically.
"Are...are you serious?" Frisk sputtered. The bugs buzzing inside the ridiculous sized jar taunted her. She didn't even have a clue on how to start counting.
"Of course, darling!" Confirmed the robot, "Now tick tock, time's running out!" Mettaton spoke into his microphone.
Frisk glanced at Alphys, the dinosaur displaying an "A" card. She gave a discreet nod, trusting the yellow monster as Frisk pressed the answer.
"Correct! You're one lucky human! But now I must ask..." Mettaton held out a hand, from his wrist a projection appeared with the picture of a Froggit. "What monster is this?"
Frisk beamed, knowing the answer at once. Then looked on in confusion at Alphys's answer. The letter was for Mettaton, but Frisk felt for sure it was Froggit. I've trusted Alphys this far... She took a deep breath, shut her eyes and began praying that Alphys was correct. She pressed the button that displayed Mettaton as her answer.
Mettaton gave a loud gasp, and Frisk was immediately paralyzed with fear. Heart hammering, she cracked open an eye, assuming the worst. Exclaiming in shock and gratitude, her eyes shot open when she saw the shirt the robot was suddenly wearing. A Froggit sat staring back from Mettaton's newly acquired piece of clothing. "I'm so flattered you remembered, darling!"
Frisk openly gaped at the tv star, thinking how close she came to dying just because of a shirt. Thank you Alphys!
"Are you ready for you next question?" Mettaton rhetorically asked, "Great! Now, would you smooch a ghost?" A girlish giggle coming from the robot. Frisk looked down to see every answer was the same, bewildered she looked over at Mettaton. She was starting to feel annoyance for all of these tricks. A side glance at Alphys and Frisk could tell the dinosaur wasn't thinking too highly of the robot right now either. Turning to look at the counter, she found it was going up instead of down. Definitely annoyed... Do I seriously have to answer this? Or was this another one of his tricks?
"What's wrong darling? Is there another monster you rather smooch?" Mettaton questioned with a chuckle.
Frisk could feel her cheeks heat up as she quickly pressed the button, trying to push down the image of a short skeleton, that was her height, in a blue hoodie.
"Such a great answer! The romance! I love it!" The robot gushed, "Now, how many letters are in MY name! I can't wait to see your answer, darling!" Why do I feel like he's winking at me? He probably would if he was capable of it…
The panel appeared with the new question and answers. Feeling ready, Frisk was prepared until the "n's" started to increase. Annoyance began to creep up again.
"It's getting really hard to like you, Mettaton…" Frisk muttered to herself, pressing the letter Alphys was holding up.
"Excellent! And now, in the dating simulation video game "Mew Mew Kissey Cutie". What is Mew Mew's favorite food? So, I hope you know the ans-"
"Oh!" Alphys squealed, bouncing with her hands raised. "I know this one! It's Snail Ice Cream! Because in the fourth chapter when everyone goes to the beach, she buys ice cream for all her friends, but it's snail flavored, and she's the only one that wants it." Alphys excitedly explained, speaking faster with each word. Mettaton's body turned, looking. Frisk giggled at the dinosaur's excitement, it was adorable how worked up she got about the video game. Though, she wondered when Alphys would remember to breathe...
"It's my most favorite part of the game!" Alphys continued. "Because it's this powerful message about friendship and...um…" She trailed off, glancing over to see Mettaton with a hand on their midsection.
"Alphys dear, what did I say about cheating? Are you really helping the contestant?" Mettaton gave a huff as Alphys quickly shook her head in denial.
"N-n-no, I…"
"Well, in that case. I'll ask a question you're sure to know the answer to! Now...Who does Dr. Alphys have a crush on?"
Alphys' face turned red, her hands shaking, as a look of embarrassment, fear and nervousness appeared over her face. It was as though she was begging Frisk not to answer. Feeling pity for the dinosaur, the human folded her arms and struck the robot with a glare. Wasn't he HER creation? Didn't that mean he should be nicer to her?
Glancing at the answers, Frisk took notice of Undyne's name being a choice. She knew there was no way she was going to embarrass the doctor anymore, so chose a small act of mercy. After all, Alphys helped her, why shouldn't she help in return? Finding "D: Don't know, she quickly pressed her answer. Instant relief spread across Alphys' face, and Frisk smiled over at the dinosaur, glad she could help.
"And that is correct!" Mettaton laughed tauntingly. Frisk's smile fell from her face, she didn't like that laugh. "Dr. Alphys has a crush on the unknowable. You see Alphys believes there's someone out there. Someone watching her. Someone she thinks is "cute" and "interesting". The human glanced over to Alphys, seeing irritation replace relief on her face. Mettaton continued, "Hello, theoretical person! Alphys likes you! Too bad you aren't real." Mettaton laughed once again. Frisk ready to defend the scientist when Alphys turned, walked and came to stand by the laughing robot.
"H-hey!" Alphys sneered, her finger prodding the robot despite her nervousness. "I've done my research on this. There are alternate universes out there!" She huffed. Mettaton only looked at her, and Frisk could see Alphys deflating. "So-someday, ma-maybe, I could meet them…" Alphys' mumbled sadly.
"Darling, you said the same exact thing about "Mew Mew Kissie Cutie"". The robot reminded. "But you know what, I'll even give you the benefit of a doubt. Person if you're out there...how about giving us a sign right now."
Mettaton turned towards the camera, posing. A few moments of complete silence and Alphys frowned. Frisk could feel the dejection rolling off the scientist in waves. "Well, that settles that, doesn't it? But unfortunately, my show can't continue…" Mettaton let out an exaggerated sigh. "There can't be any drama, no suspense, no anything with Dr. Alphys helping! But do not fear my lovely fans! This was just the pilot episode!" He announced with bravado, "I promise to return with more drama! More suspense! More bloodshed! Until next time darlings! Ta ta!" Mettaton gave a wave, his wheel and arms returning inside the box- like body as Frisk watched the robot blast off through the ceiling. Did he just blast a hole through the roof? Way didn't he use the hole he already made?
Alphys coughed to clear her throat, "Well, that was certainly something…" She let out a small laugh, and Frisk stopped gaping at the ceiling to look over at the doctor. A smile was there on the monster's face, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Alphys...about what Mettaton said…" Frisk started.
"Th-that last question… He wasn't s-supposed to ask that one. Um...I…" The yellow monster looked away.
"It's okay, you weren't the only one embarrassed," Frisk replied softly, hoping to cheer the scientist up. Alphys stayed quiet. Frisk wondered if should she just give her some time alone, to think things through. She began walking away, slowly.
"Wait!" Alphys called, and Frisk paused, looking back over her shoulder. "Wait...um...yo-you need my phone number. I-if I'm going to help you." She shyly smiled.
Glad to know Alphys seemed fine, Frisk turned back and walked over to the monster. Reaching into her messenger bag to take out her phone, Alphys's eyes widened at the sight of it. Concerned at the reaction, Frisk frowned.
"Is something wrong?" Confusion tinting her voice.
"This is...it's...Wh-where'd did you even get this? It's ancient!" Alphys shrieked in outrage and shock. Frisk felt like a fool for having such outdated technology and flushed with sheepish embarrassment. Her thoughts turned back to Toriel, and she was sure it was the best the woman could have given her. There was no telling how long ago the monsters left the ruins, and Toriel was still living and taking care of passageways.
"It was...a gift from someone important to me…" Frisk admitted softly. Embarrassed, but not ashamed.
"Oh...well..." Alphys softened, looking over the phone. "It doesn't even have texting…Oh! I know! Just...wait a second!" She beamed, running off before Frisk could get a word out. A few moments later Alphys returned smiling, looking proud.
"Here! I upgraded it for you. I could have given you a much more current model, but you said this one was important, so I just added to this one." The doctor smiled kindly in understanding. "Now you can text and even use the spatial magic feature for your items. Oh, and I picked out a key chain for you."
"That's amazing! Thank you so much Alphys" The human gushed at the dinosaur, and Frisk chuckled at that smile brightening further on her face. It seemed Alphys's nervous stuttering was gone in her excitement.
"I also took some time to sign you up for the Underground's number one social network! Now, we're officially friends" She giggled before she looked around nervously. "I… um...I got...uh...bathroom stuff to do. So, I'm just going to go there." The Doctor squawked, quickly running out of the room. Frisk could only see yellow feet as she watched her new friend go.
I should just go, she's already super nervous... taking one last look towards where Alphys left, Frisk started towards the lab exit. Maybe if I'm lucky, it won't be as hot as I remember out there…