Disclaimer: Undertale and Earthbound belong to Toby Fox and Shigesato Itoi respectively. Not the author-

Flowey: Just get on with it! C'mon!


SomberOpinion: Okay, two really big reviews. Not that I'm complaining! In fact, quite the opposite! Yes, Undertale's Fourth Wall is a bit beaten. But it is by no means broken, no matter what the flower above says. The mechanics of Undertale just make the 4th wall a physical thing. Which makes you wonder what PSI 4-D Slip could do. And while Ninten has black hair canonically, in a noverlisation he has blonde hair. Those who know Earthbound Begginings can guess why. And yes, Ninten and Frisk get off to a rocky start! One's a guy who saved the world, the other's kid with mind-boggling powers. But they eventually get along together. And yes this is the beggining of Undertale. And Giygas, heheh...Ah, nightmares.

Enjoy the chapter!


Chapter 4: Heartache

Toriel stands in your way!

The world fades into black and white and with a familiar tug your SOUL appears, bright red against the monochrome of the world. Toriel's flames crackle along the walls and you feel their heat on your face. You stare at Toriel in disbelief. She simply stares past you.

"H-Hey, what's this about!?"

You turn around to see Ninten looking at Toriel in shock. His dusty pink SOUL shines dully.

"You wish to know how to return "home," do you not?" Toriel says evenly, eyes closed.

"Ahead of us lies the end of the RUINS," she continues, "A one-way exit to the rest of the Underground"

Her eyes open and flash red and fire flares against the walls.

"I am going to destroy it."

You back away. Toriel...Toriel didn't look like Toriel anymore. The heat licks your face uncomfortably.

"What do you mean!?" Ninten yells next to you.

It's pretty obvious, what she means, you think with a falling heart.

Toriel narrows her eyes at them.

"Every human that falls down here meets the same fate. I have seen it again and again," Toriel say in a heavy whisper, "They die. You naive children... If you leave the RUINS... They... ASGORE... Will kill you," Toriel finishes gravely.

"I am only protecting you, do you understand? When I destroy the door, no one will ever be able to leave again. Now be good children and go upstairs," Toriel says firmly.

"I don't think so."

You start at the tone in Ninten's voice, turning to look at him. Ninten's face is shadowed by his cap.

"I beg your pardon?" Toriel asks stiffly.

Ninten waves his hand violently. His blue eyes glow in the black and white world.

"You can't stop me from leaving!"

"And why is that?" Toriel asks patiently.

"The world needs me! If I don't leave, then who will fight Giygas?"

"Those who should have faced him in the first place. Surely the Humans can face this Giygas without placing all the responsibility on a child!" Toriel yells, and you back away. You've never seen Toriel so mad before.

Toriel clenches her paws and glares at Ninten. Ninten glares back.

"You are a child," Toriel says softly, "You should be in school or playing. You should be enjoying your childhood. You should not be fighting evil!"

"Well shoulda didn't! I was the only one who could face Giygas!"

"I find that hard to believe," Toriel says calmly.

Ninten grits his teeth and Toriel turns to you.

"My child…" the hint of disapproval in Toriel's voice makes you shrink back, "What were you thinking, leaving? Were you looking for an adventure? I have told you how dangerous the Underground is, haven't I? Why would you risk leaving? And just to face another evil thing?"

You bite the bottom of your lip and can't meet Toriel's eyes.

"Hey, lay off them!" Ninten yelled. "They weren't leaving to help me!"

Toriel turns to Ninten.

"Then wha-?"

"Frisk was leaving to break the Barrier," Ninten said.

For a moment the only sounds were the flames crackling.

"What…?"

Toriel looks at you in incredulity.

You don't think you can shrink back anymore.

"What are you talking about?" Toriel demands.

"I'm saying that we're going to break this Barrier ourselves, without a human soul!" Ninten said firmly.

"..."

Toriel doesn't say anything. Ninten stares at her.

"...Please, stop this nonsense."

Toriel's voice is heavy.

"Do not try to stop me. This is your final warning."

You clench your fists and look at Toriel.

"Frisk was leaving to break the Barrier!"

"I'm saying that we're going to break this Barrier ourselves, without a human soul!"

What were they doing? This was…

Ridiculous.

What were you doing…?

"What's the Surface like?"

You hold your head up high and meet Toriel's eyes.

"...Please…" You say.

Toriel's face flickers for a moment. Then she sighs, her features hardening.

"You want to leave so badly? Hmph. You are just like the others."

Toriel's voice was cold. The flames start to swirl and curl. You step back.

"There is only one solution to this," Toriel stares at you with steely eyes, "Proves yourself...Prove to me you are strong enough to survive!"

The flames surged towards you and you freeze-

'Duck!'

Something collides into you and sends you to the ground. Fire washes the air above you, heat licking your face.

'You okay?'

Ninten's thoughts are full of concern. You take a moment to grasp the connection.

'Y-Yes.'

Ninten's face hovers over you, relieved.

'Good…'

Ninten gets off you and helps you up. Flames swirl through the corridor as Toriel blocks the way.

Toriel: ATK 80 DEF 80. Knows what's best for you.

'What are we going to do?' you thought.

'We have to get past her.'

You glance at Ninten. He stares at Toriel firmly.

'No! We can't hurt her!'

Ninten's eyes widen and he looks at you.

'Who said anything about hurting her?'

"What are you doing?"

A burst of fire rushes towards you. Both of you back away to avoid it.

"Attack or run away!"

You step forward, trying to think of something to say.

You couldn't think of any conversation topics.

Ironically, it seems like talking isn't the answer this time.

Toriel launches another blast of fire and something yanks you back. But not before your hands become burned.

You wince tears in your eyes and look at Toriel in shock.

Toriel looks through you.

You back away, eyes stinging.

Toriel wasn't supposed to hurt you. She wasn't supposed to.

Moms were supposed to protect you…

'Hey, snap out of it!'

Ninten's voice rings out in your head and you whirl around to see him. He immediately takes your arms in his hands. You wince-

And the pain fades away as Ninten's hands glow.

"PSI Life-Up…" he whispers.

HP: 20.

'She's afraid…'

You look at Ninten in surprise. He looks past the walls of flame, at Toriel.

'She's terrified and sad and confused.'

You look at Toriel. Past the mask she's wearing.

'I have a plan.'


"Still you are here? Didn't I tell you to go upstairs?"

Toriel is acting aloof.

You stand in front of her, meeting her eyes.

A blast of fire heads towards you, flames racing towards you. You brace yourself and close your eyes. A moment later you feel cozily warm, and you open your eyes to see tongues of fire licking at you but never reaching.

The Franklin Badge shines on your chest.

The fire dies away and you see for a moment Toriel's shock.

Toriel schools her face and prepares another magic attack.

FIGHT?

ACT?

ITEM?

SPARE.

You SPARE Toriel.

The fire licks at you once more and you only feel pleasantly warm.

"What are you doing?"

The flames grow brighter and you feel warmer.

"Attack or run away!"

You SPARE Toriel.

The flames grew ever stronger and you start sweating.

"What are you proving this way?"

You SPARE Toriel.

The flames are really hot now.

"Attack or run away!" Toriel's faced breaks as she yells, and the flames rear up with a roar.

You feel the Franklin Badge start to steam and your skin starts blistering.

You SPARE Toriel.

You squint through the flames and see Toriel.

HP: 15...14...13…

Your lungs are dry and you feel like your trapped in an oven.

Toriel tries to look through you.

You refuse-

-and you meet Toriel's eyes.

Ninten creates the link almost immediately.


"What a terrible creature, torturing such a poor, innocent youth…"

You blinked back tears as I looked up at the massive monster in front of me. The monster steps forward and you back away, whimpering. The cuts on you skin sting. The monster hesitates.

"Ah, do not be afraid, my child. I am TORIEL, caretaker of the RUINS. What is your name, my child?"

You hesitated for a moment. The monster was big and tall, and had just shot fire from her hands. But her voice was soothing and warm. The monster kneels down and you see her face clearly. Two red eyes look at you patiently, the monster smiling at you. You look at their outstretched hand. And after a moment of silence, you tell them your name.

"… Frisk? That is a beautiful name!" The monster, Toriel, says with a smile. You give a tentative smile back.

"Splendid! I am proud of you, little one."

You rub the back of your head awkwardly as Toriel clapped happily. You had only pulled a lever. But the way Toriel looked at you made you feel as if you'd just done the greatest thing ever. Toriel beams at you infectiously and you give your own tentative smile back.

"This is the puzzle, but...Here, take my hand."

Toriel gives and hand and after a moment you reach out to grab it. You scratched hand is engulfed by Toriel's furry paws, but they are gentle and soft. Toriel starts to walk through the puzzled spikes, leading you along the way. As she did, you noticed that the path was the same as the previous room. You glance away from the spikes and turn to look at Toriel. You giver her paw a faint squeeze. In response, she squeezes your hand gently.

"This is Toriel. Did you want to ask me something?"

You nod before remembering your on the phone and softly asked your question.

"You want to know more about me?"

Toriel gives a small chuckle from the other end of the phone.

"Well, I am afraid there's not much to say. I am just an old lady who worries too much!"

You smile. Those were the best kind of people though.

"Huh? Did you just call me…'Mom'?"

You don't answer and instead wonder if you should throw away the phone. You imagine Toriel frowning unhappily, and you tremble.

'Children should be seen, not he-'

"Well...I suppose...Would that make you happy?"

You blink. Toriel doesn't sound mad. In fact, she sounds...happy?

"Would it make you happy to call me 'Mother'?" Toriel asks tentatively.

You can almost see the smile.

"Well then call me whatever you like!"

"...O-Ok...Mom."

"Well, here it is!"

You look at the house in front of you. It was small and rectangular, but it exuded a cozy atmosphere. Toriel pats you on your head and looks at you.

"It is not much, but...Welcome Home, my child!"

You look at Toriel's sincere smile. And this time you almost immediately smile back.

"Ahahahahaha~!" You wake up, a scream caught in your throat. You hiccup and hug yourself. It was only a bad dream. It was only a ba-

"My child, what is wrong?"

Toriel appears by the doorway and walks over to you. You wipe your face and tell her it was just a bad dream.

"You had a nightmare? Well, we can't allow that, can we? Let me tuck you in…."

Toriel smiles softly as she wrapped you in blankets.

"There. Now then, don't let the bed bugs bite, okay my child?"

You nod and expect Toriel to walk away. Instead, she sits next to you, the bed creaking slightly. And she starts patting you back, humming. It sounded like a lullaby. Your eyes start to close as Toriel hums, and-

ZZZZZ

"Sweet dreams, my child..."

"Did you know that a snail's tongue is covered in small teeth? It's called a radula!" Toriel beams at you, adjusting her glasses. You nod politely and wonder when she'll stop reading from the Snail Book of Snail Facts. You watch as Toriel's magic fire crackles in the fire place, burning only as hot as it needed. You start to doze off by Toriel's recliner. And before you do slumber, you feel a soft arms picking you up.

"Bedtime, I think."

You make a feeble argument. It doesn't work and Toriel just chuckles.

"Bedtime, my child."

"My child, please. You must eat your greens too…"

You pick at the steamed vegetables on your plate and look at Toriel's. It looks like it's been picked cleaned. Toriel leans towards you.

"Please? It is the only way for you to grow strong, okay?" You look at the vegetables and start to eat them grudgingly.

"My child, you don't have to help me."

You look up from the dishes. Toriel stands next you and glances at you. You look away.

"I...I want to help…"

"Well…" Toriel sighs and gives you a soft grin. "Very well. You are very sweet, my child. Keeping an old lady like me company!"

"Hmm? What is it, my child? ...Oh, a picture?"

You shrink back and before you can chicken out you thrust the piece of paper into Toriel's hands. You hands are oily from the crayons.

"Yes…"

"..."

"Do you like it?" You ask hesitantly.

"Oh, my child...I love it!" Toriel beamed at you. The next day, your drawing is placed on the refrigerator for all to see.

You peek out from behind Toriel. The Froggit looks at you curiously. You shrink back. "My child…" You look up to see Toriel looking at you with a supportive expression. You stare at her for a moment, before taking a deep breath. And then you step outside from behind Toriel, and walk towards the Froggit.

"What would you like for dinner, my child?"

You immediately thought of something, but hesitate to ask.

"...Butterscotch...Pie."

Toriel blinked in surprise, before smiling.

"Ah, that is fine! Do...Do you wish to help me?"

You immediately stand up and walk up to her. She laughs and gives you an apron. The smell of Butterscotch and Cinnamon makes you feel warm.

You look up at Toriel while the fire crackles in the fire place. Her book is closed and she snores softly.

"...Mom…?"

Toriel blinks and adjusts her glasses, looking down at you.

"My child?"

"...I love you." You say. And you mean it with your heart.

"...I love you too, my child."

Toriel smiles and you smile back.

"Good night...Mom…"


...

You Spared Toriel.

The flames abruptly die out.

Your memories of Toriel...fill you with DETERMINATION.

You hear sobbing. You look up and see Toriel kneeling on the ground, sobbing.

'Frisk?'

You ignore Ninten's concerned voice and walk towards Toriel.

You can see Toriel's SOUL shine.

"M-My child…"

You kneel down and put your arms around Toriel. She looks at you in surprise.

You hug Toriel.

A moment later large arms envelop you and you feel Toriel shake.

"My child...Please forgive me…" Toriel hiccuped.

"...It's okay..."

You forgive Toriel.

Toriel holds you tighter.

"Frisk…"

Your eyes sting and you bury your face in Toriel's face.

"Mom…" you gasp out, tears falling from your eyes.

Toriel holds you tight as you start to cry.

"How could I do this to you...What kind of monster am I?" Toriel whispered.

You shake your head.

"Not a monster...MONSTER…"

A soft chuckle escapes Toriel's lips and a moment later you feel a warm glow.

HP: 13...16...19…

"Frisk...I know you want to go...But I promise I will take good care of you here. I-I know we do not have much, but...No...It would be wrong to keep you confined here…" Toriel holds you at arm's length and smiles sadly at you.

"No...It would not be right for you to grow up in a place like this."

Toriel looks at you.

"Frisk...Are you serious in your wish to break the Barrier?"

You nod and try to swallow the lump in your throat.

Toriel is silent.

You try to brace yourself for goodbye…

You can't do it.

"Frisk?" Toriel asks.

You don't trust yourself to speak. Hot tears roll down your eyes.

"Oh, Frisk…"

Toriel wiped your tears with her thumb, before taking a breath.

"Well then, I suppose we should be off soon, yes?"

...Huh?

Toriel gives a soft smile.

"For so long, I have hidden myself in these RUINS...But no longer. My expectations... My loneliness... My fear... For you, my child... I will put them aside."

You try to find something to say.

More tears roll down your cheek and you hug Toriel firmly.

"There there Frisk...Everything will be alright…" Mom said soothingly.

Mom's love filled you with DETERMINATION.

"No...No…!"

"Wha-?" Toriel jerks back as a large vine rockets past you.

"NO! YOU AREN'T SUPPOSED TO DO THAT!"

Vines start erupting out of the grounds, thrashing violently.

"Frisk!"

'Frisk!'

You look around, trying to find Ninten and Mom.

You find Flowey.

Thorny vines envelop your SOUL and hoist you into the air.

You cry out.

HP: 16..14...12…

Flowey's face is inches from yours.

"WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT A BRAT LIKE YOU?! SHE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO LEAVE! SHE'S SUPPOSED TO STAY! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO KILL HER!"

You try to break out of Flowey's grasp. Flowey tightens his grasp, and thorns pierce your SOUL.

"I WILL KILL YOU!"

HP:9...6…

You scream and Flowey starts to laugh.

"Frisk!"

A blast of fire rockets past you and Flowey pauses. Before grinning.

Flowey turns you around, still holding you.

Toriel hangs below you, standing over an unconscious Ninten. White hot flames surround her arms.

"Let go of them, vile creature!" Toriel screams.

"Heheheh! Let's not be so hasty, RUIN Keeper…"

Flowey starts to crush you again and you cry out.

HP: 3…

"No!"

"Put out the flames."

Toriel bares her fangs.

"I said put out the flames...Or I'll kill them."

"You wouldn't!"

"Wanna bet?"

Flowey bares their own fangs. They're much scarier.

Toriel looks at you despairingly...Before putting out the flames.

You see Flowey's grin in the corner of your darkened vision and you try to cry out a warning.

"There...That wasn't so hard…"

No…

"...Was it!?"

And vines erupted from the ground and pierce Toriel's SOUL.

No!

Toriel's SOUL shatters.

"HAHAHAHA!"

NO!

RESET

LOAD

Toriel's love fills you with DETERMINATION.

Toriel stops the hug and looks at you with a smile.

The smile disappears immediately.

"Frisk? What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Toriel's SOUL shatters…

"Like you've seen a ghost?"

Dust flies through the air…

"Frisk!?"

You grasp Toriel tightly. As if she would turn to dust any moment. You make a sound halfway between a scream and a sob. Toriel holds you tightly.

"Frisk? What's wrong?"

"No! NO!"

Vines erupt from the ground and you hold Toriel in a death grip and your SOUL start to beat as the vines head towards-

"PK Pulse!"


Flowey: You can't just end it there!

Yes I can. It's a good place to end.

The Franklin Badge can in fact deflect all energy based projectiles, including fire, as Smash Bros shows.

Flowey: Nobody cares! Get back to the fig-

Tune in next time to see what happens! Remeber to review!