~~Tra la la~~
Alphys continued typing away on the computer keyboard, the sound of her constant tapping being the only sound to be heard within the now pristine white laboratory. The silence was almost unnerving. Usually there was the sound of machinery or the gently sound of bubbling magma from outside, but sometimes, on a rare few occasions, everything was silent. Normally, she would simply continue working and pay no mind to the quiet atmosphere, but as she sorted through Gaster's records the silence seemed almost unbearable.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was doing something wrong by trying to search through the files, even if she technically owned the computer and everything on it. Every slight sound seemed all the more prominent in the deafening silence, and caused her to flinch and her fretful heart to skip a beat.
The stout reptile took a deep calming breath and closed her eyes, pinching the ridge of her snout, and displacing her glasses slightly in the process. So far Alphys had made little progress in her search for other documents detailing the so called "Intercision Project". It was difficult to find files that were relevant, and even more so, documents that were not written in those strange symbols. From what she had gathered, the project involved monster souls, and their connection to both magic and determination levels. From the strings of data she had scavenged, she also pieced together that the practical trials of various experiments had less than desirable results, and of all the patient records she had found, none had survived the trials, save for one young skeleton.
What exactly the experiments entailed were still largely a mystery, and Alphys was running out of resources. She had tried to cross check the files on "Intercision" with all other files on the known database, but had turned up with nothing. What intercision was in itself still remained unknown to the scientist, and she seemed to be getting no further any time soon. The only way she could find out what the project was, was to get the information right from the horse's mouth, and ask either Gaster, or Sans about it.
Perhaps it was her anxiety, or her mind deciding the trials were less than ethical, but either way, she decided it would be best not to mention her discovery of the project, at least until she knew more about it. But how else could she learn more on it, if she could only find records that were indecipherable, and in some cases, missing entirely. There were many such cases, where information on a trial seemed to be going well, with the selected patient's heath seeming to improve, before their records suddenly disappear without leaving so much as a trace of their existence. It gave Alphys a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she dreaded what may have happened to the poor soul.
One thing she happened to know for sure, was that her own patient records for the monsters who had since become amalgamates followed a similar pattern. The patient would come in ill, or in her case fallen down, they would begin to improve and seem to be on the path to recovery, before everything would suddenly fall apart and the patient's records would be dashed. She feared that the monsters of the Intercision Project had met with a similar fate.
However, that left room for yet another question. Why was Sans involved in the project? Sure, she knew he had some background in science; but what happened to make him take part in the trial first hand? Alphys was not sure. There were many things she was not sure about concerning this project, but one thing she did know, was that the previous head Royal Scientist's track record was becoming steadily darker the further she delved into the information.
There was another question that plagued the reptile's mind. Why was Gaster looking up all this information on the project so soon after only just returning? Again, the possible answers to that question gave Alphys a queasy feeling.
She winced as her mind raced through all the possible answers, both good and bad, before slowly opening her eyes again and releasing a heavy sigh from her nostrils. She repositioned her glasses safely on her snout and patted down her lab coat before returning to scouring the numerous records. She had only just found the point at which she had stopped reading a particular document when she heard the soft rumbling sound of the lift heading from the lower levels of the lab and rapidly heading back to up ground level.
Alphys gave a panicked yelp and immediately closed all of the files open on the computer. Once all the evidence of her little investigation had been disposed of, she quickly brought up the newest additions to Mettaton's body.
Mettaton's new appearance was something the scientist had kept strictly under wraps. The King had first proposed the idea of an entertainer for the Underground, to help boost the sagging morale of the citizens, and Alphys had immediately agreed it was a worthwhile endeavour. She had begun designing a robotic body shortly after meeting with a ghost that went by the name Hapstablook, and the two of them soon became good friends as a result. As it turned out, Hapstablook had always wanted to be an entertainer, but due to his ghostly appearance it made things hard. Fortunately, Alphys was able to create a solid body for her friend to inhabit, and hence Mettaton was born.
Now Alphys often spent her days installing upgrades to Mettaton's body, and eventually made it to be modelled after a human. It was still a work in progress as there were still a hand full of design flaws, the most prominent of which being his inefficient consumption of power. She had, had several ideas concerning a more ethical power source for the body to feed off, and had written up all the details on her computer.
If anyone was to look at the screen they would see nothing more than a long list of bullet points detailing various energy sources and their possible applications. Completely and utterly non-suspicious.
As if on cue, the doors of the elevator swished open and a slender figure stepped out. From his height alone it was easy for Alphys to tell it was Gaster, not that there was anyone else liable to be using the true lab's elevator. She watched his approach in eager trepidation, her tail twitching involuntarily from side to side from where she sat, curling and uncurling nervously. She repositioned her glasses again out of habit and swivelled around on the chair until she was facing the doctor straight on, listening to the steadily approaching clicking of his heels on the lab floor.
The skeleton came to a stop just in front of the small lizard, and she offered him a nervous half smile. She watched as he returned a more confident and reassuring expression before finally deciding it was an opportune moment to talk, "D-Did you find what you were l-looking for doctor?" she gingerly inquired, clutching her hands together and resting them gently on her lap.
Gaster gave a single nod, "I did indeed," he confirmed, clutching his own hands firmly behind his back and straightening up his posture before continuing, "Although I will be heading out now. I need to find myself a pair of glasses." He explained, gently tapping the side of his skull with one of his phalanges for emphasis. He seemed to express quite a lot through the use of his hands, Alphys decided.
"O-Of course, doctor. Take ah-as long as you need," She broadened her grin slightly, though it ended up appearing to be more of a grimace than a warm and encouraging look.
The doctor, however, did not seem to look too deeply into her anxious behaviour, and most likely brushed it off as being the scientist's usual timid nature. He gave her a final nod and wide grin before continuing on past her. Alphys turned to watch as the doors to the laboratory swept open. The hot air from outside rushed inside, causing the skeleton's long black coat to billow out behind him, and giving him a rather proud, regal appearance. He immediately stepped out into the warm breeze, and the doors sealed behind him.
Alphys let out a long resinating breath, screwing her eyes closed momentarily once she was sure she was alone. She ran a clawed hand across the top of her head and over the spines protruding from the back of her skull, a similar effect to running a hand through hair, before deciding it was time to get back to work.
##########
Gaster took a wide surveying glance at his surroundings, taking in the rugged and treacherous Hotland terrain. He could hear the distinct bubbling of magma as it slowly flowed, and could sense the blistering heat that was radiating from it. Every now and then the molten rock would spew embers up into the air, singeing anything that dared get too close.
As unpleasant and inhospitable a landscape it was, at least it was less tense than in the lab. Tension had seemed to roll of Alphys in tangible waves and made even the usually calm and collected skeleton begin to feel uncomfortable.
Unbeknown to the small reptilian scientist, Gaster had taken a look at the computer before leaving. He had, had a terrible feeling he left some rather convicting documentation on the screen, but fortunately it was nowhere in sight, and there was only some of Alphys' work visible. He thought himself fortunate she had not seen it, as that would lead to many unwanted questions regarding his past work. He winced at the very memory of it. Those experiments certainly weren't his finest hour, and were something he would rather forget.
With a calming sigh, the monster rid his mind of the invading thoughts, and instead turned his mind to Waterfall. He set off at a slow leisurely gait, moving his hands so they sat lightly in his coat pockets. He began humming a soft melody to himself as he headed towards the dock. From there he would be able to go directly to his destination, via the Riverperson.
The Riverperson was an odd creature indeed. No one really knew what they were or what they did, other than ferry monsters from one end of the Underground to the other. One thing Gaster did know, however, was that the mysterious monster remembered him. He had observed the human known as Frisk for many a timeline, and sometimes, on the rarest of occasions, the Riverperson would mutter, "Tra la la. Beware the man who speaks in hands," and nothing more. How the strange person knew him, let alone remembered him was just yet another secret the monster harboured, the answer known to it, and it alone.
Descending the stairs, Gaster caught sight of the person his musings were centred around. The Riverperson stood in an ominous silence, their body turned to face the approaching skeleton. Their usual deep blue cloak was draped down over their body and the hood was pulled over their face, concealing it in shadows. Despite their eyes being hidden it was obvious who they were watching.
Without a second though, the scientist stepped onto the rickety wooden boat, swaying slightly as is bobbed up and down in the water. The Riverperson paid him no heed and turned away, looking over the bow of the boat. "Waterfall," Gaster finally announced, having finally gained his footing on the slightly damp floorboards.
No further words were exchanged as the boat seemed to begin moving all by itself, ploughing through the water, slicing through it effortlessly like a knife through warm butter. The two remained silent for a short while, until a familiar, "Tra la la," was heard. The tall skeleton waited patiently for the mysterious creature to continue as it always did, giving advice or odd statements that seemed to make no sense or bare any relevance. But what they said honestly stunned him into silence "Welcome back, doctor."
Gaster felt a chill run down his spine, and shifted his feet in discomfort. "Thanks…" he muttered back, sounding unsure of himself. He wasn't entirely sure what else to say. Fortunately, he needn't say anything further, as the Riverperson ended their conversation with another, "Tra la la," Concluding their conversation almost as quickly as it had begun.
There was no further talk, nor peasantries to be exchanged before the boat pulled up at the Waterfall dock. The sound of wood scraping on wood as the boat brushed against the platform was all that was heard before the boat came to a halt. Gaster stepped out onto the wooden platform, just as the Riverperson called out after him, "Tra la la. Watch your step, you wouldn't want to Fall In." He could practically hear the smirk in the other monster's voice.
He ignored the snide comment, and continued on, albeit with clenched teeth. He knew that giving the Riverperson an earful was a waste of time, and he had used up enough of the day as it was. Perhaps he would walk back to Hotland. Besides, he could see Gerson's shop from where he was already, and so quickly made his way towards it. At the sound of wood on wood once more Gaster took a glance back over his shoulder whilst continuing to walk, noticing the Riverperson was already setting off. He was about to turn his gaze back to where he was going, when he all of a suddenly slammed into something hard.
The skeleton grunted, tipping backwards. He fortunately managed to stretch out his arms and regain his balance before he could topple over. Gaster rubbed the back of his head before giving it a quick shake to snap out of his daze. His white eyes drifted up towards the person he had crashed into, and his non-existent heart leapt into his throat, causing him to make a strangled choking sound.
"Pa-Papyrus?" An uncharacteristic stutter came to his voice as the unbidden word left him, and the doctor had to fight down the urge to pull the tall skeleton into an embrace. He had to mentally remind himself that Papyrus would have no memory of him, "My sincerest apologies," he quickly offered, "Are you alright?" he asked, knowing full well that out of the two of them he had been the more stunned. His eyes quickly looked over the aforementioned skeleton, taking in everything about him, from his pristine white 'battle body' to the crimson scarf that hung loosely around his shoulders.
Papyrus gave an eager nod of the head, positively beaming, "OH NO, IT WAS MY FAULT. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION," he said, waving his gloved hand in a somewhat dismissive manor, "AND YES, I AM QUITE ALRIGHT, SIR." He added, confirming Gaster's assumption.
Gaster was a mere head taller than Papyrus, and only when the two were stood side by side did he finally realise how much he had grown.
"WOWIE, I'VE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER SKELETON BEFORE, EXCEPT MY BROTHER AND I!" Papyrus exclaimed practically quivering with boundless excitement. He watched as the young skeleton's face slowly contorted into a somewhat confused expression and he seemed to calm, "ERM, HOW IS IT YOU KNOW MY NAME?" he asked, providing a crooked smile and tilting his head slightly.
Gaster gave a nervous chuckle, he wasn't sure how exactly to answer the question in a way that wouldn't end in disaster. His hands were wrung together tightly, his phalanges gripping together so tightly he feared he might break his own hands. "Uh, well, you see…" he trailed off, almost cracking under Papyrus' warm, tender expression, but he held strong, "I knew you and your brother when you were younger," he vaguely answered, watching as the other skeleton's face grew even more joyous, and hearing him gasp perhaps a little overdramatically. He had to hold back from laughing a little at the display.
"Sans would remember me, though I doubt you would," he finished, offering the other a calm smile, and starting to regain his former confidence, "I left rather abruptly, so it is highly likely Sans has never mentioned me before."
He watched as Papyrus nodded in concurrence with his words, "AH, YES, I DON'T REMEMBER HIM MENTIONING YOU," he breathed, seemingly pacified by the answer he was given. He gave him only a short time to recover before continuing, "ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T CATCH YOUR NAME, WHAT WAS IT?" he inquired.
"Doctor Wingding Gaster," he provided, "Though you may simply refer to me as Gaster." He pried his hands together and outstretched one for the other skeleton. Papyrus observed his hand for a while, and seemed rather surprised by them, and at first Gaster was confused by his hesitation. It was only then that he remembered the large holes in the palms of his hands. He had, had the large apertures in his hands for so long that he had forgotten there had once been a time he had normal, whole, hands, so it was no wonder Papyrus was concerned.
However, the younger skeleton soon got over his nerves and griped Gaster's hand in his own, giving it a firm shake.
"So, Papyrus," he began, "What brings you to Waterfall on this fine day?" he asked, retracting his hand and placing it into his pocket, slipping into a more relaxed posture. He was genuinely curious as to why Papyrus was this far from Snowdin, surely he had Sentry duty with Sans.
Papyrus seemed to perk up at the question, straightening up, his previous grin returning to his face, "OH, WHY MY FRIEND UNDYNE ASKED IF I COULD PICK UP SOME GROCERIES FOR OUR TRAINING SESSION," he explained, "IT WAS TOO FAR TO WALK BACK TO SNOWDIN, WHERE I LIVE, TO GET THE SUPPLIES, SO I DECIDED TO COME HERE INSTEAD." He continued, gesturing in the direction of Gerson's store.
"What a coincidence," Gaster laughed, more to himself than anyone else, "It just so happens I am going there as well." He grinned, returning Papyrus' wide smile with one of his own. Something about Papyrus' aura just seemed to radiate warmth and kindness, and it made him feel unremarkable calm despite the situation. He wanted to tell him the truth, he truly did, but he felt it was not appropriate just yet, he still had to clear up a few matters beforehand.
They were both stood at the entrance to the shop, and evidently that was the end of the pleasantries. Gaster gestured to the store once more, "Shall we?" he asked, following after Papyrus and inside.
##########
Sans was sat at the table, sipping at a steaming mug of fresh tea. Normally he would have been indulging in a nice bottle of ketchup, but the odd feeling in the air still had yet to dissipate, and the short skeleton wanted something to help put his mind at ease.
The day was drawing to a close. Sans' shift had finished a short while earlier, and he was expecting Papyrus home any minute.
Thus far, he had yet to find the cause of the disturbance. It felt as though the answer were just on the tip of his tongue, and every time he was close to grasping what it was, it would suddenly be just out of reach once more. He kept thinking back to Papyrus' odd behaviour earlier in the day, his abrupt change in demeanour and the strange question of Sans feeling as though he was forgetting something. Something about it unnerved him, and he wasn't sure why.
The sound of the front door opening broke Sans from his thoughts, and he looked up to see a familiar figure strutting into view. His usual Cheshire cat grin broke out onto his face as he caught sight of his brother.
Papyrus, as per usual, had a slight bounce to his step as he made his way towards Sans, his own smile firmly in place. "GOOD AFTERNOON SANS!" he beamed in his usual loud happy-go-lucky voice.
Sans' grin widened slightly, "sup bro," he greeted, taking a sip from his cup, "How 'as training?" he asked, casually leaning back into the chair, his eyes softening and making his grin appear lazier and perhaps even placid.
"BRILLIANT AS USUAL. UNDYNE SAID MY COOKING SKILLS HAVE IMPROVED TENFOLD." He beamed, striking a proud fist to his chest and striking a confident pose. Sans smirked as he did so. His brother was so cool. "OH YES, AND I MET SOMEONE DOWN AT THE STORE TODAY, HE SAID YOU MIGHT KNOW HIM," he added, moving to stand normally once more.
Sans was used to Papyrus filling him in on everything that had happened during the day, taking about everything he saw, everyone he met and so on. It was highly irregular for someone to mention Sans however. He gave a soft interested hum as he took another sip form his cup, signalling for his brother to continue.
"TELL ME, DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE BY THE NAME 'GASTER'?"
Sans choked on his tea.