Hello. I have nothing to say, other then hears chapter 2. Enjoy!
CH.2
Because I'm not popular, I'll get tormented by a flower!
Darkness.
There was nothing but darkness surrounding her. Tomoko tried to look around to find anything that would standout, but she found nothing.
"W-where am I? Is this the bottom of the pit?" The awkward teen asked to no one.
"In a way." She jumped at the sudden childlike voice from nowhere.
'W-who said that!?' Tomoko rapidly begin to look around. Seeing if she can find it's source.
"You are... Less then I hoped for. But you'll do." The unknown voice said with mild disapproval.
'Less then you hoped for? Are you Implying I'm not good enough for you!?' Tomoko thought angrily. Already feeling insulted that someone thought so little of her.
"Yes." The voice seemed to reply to her thoughts. 'W-wh-what!?'.
"Yes, I AM implying you're less then desirable for my goals. But again, you'll do."
'D-did it just, read my mind?' Tomoko thought as she begins to become concerned.
"Yes, I did." The voice further confirmed.
Now Tomoko's anger quickly disappeared and was replaced with fear. She was trapped in a void with a unseen entity that can read her thoughts. What did it want with her? What was it going to do to her?
"Now, Tomoko Kuroki. Lets get to the point of why I'm here. I would like to offer a deal with you." Tomoko turned around to the new direction the voice was coming form. And finally, she can see the face of the entity the voice came from.
It was the same entity she saw at the entrance of the cave! however it wasn't obscured by darkness this time (despite them being surrounded by a dark void) and she can actually make out their features. For one, it turns out they did look like a child. Though due to their androgynous appearance, she couldn't determine whether they where a boy or a girl. They had the same facial features she saw right before blacking out during the fall. Pink cheeks, cheery smile, soul piercing red eyes. Their skin was rather pale. Not as pale as her's, but pale nonetheless. They had brown bowl cut hair, a light green shirt with a yellow stripe going around their stomach and long sleeves that covered their hands, brown shorts, and brown loafers with white socks.
"U-um, what would that be?" Tomoko nervously asked the mystery child. Disregarding the fact they somehow know her name. This kid can read her mind after all.
It was rather fortunate that they where a child (Or at least looked like a child). Because while Tomoko finds talking to most people her age or older to be painfully difficult, children younger then her where rather easy for her to start a conversation with. That being said, the... Unnaturalness of the situation still made her quite nervous.
"Where trapped here Kuroki. Both of us." The being began to tell Tomoko. "You heard the legend about this mountain. Long ago, there where two races on this world. Humans and Monsters. The two races engaged in a long war with each other. And this mountain was where the latter was ultimately defeated. They retreated into this mountain after their lost, and the humans of old sealed them in. That race is still alive and living here, deeper within the cave, standing between us and the exit." They continued to explain.
"You like video games and anime, right Kuroki? You always wanted to live the lives of characters from them. Going on epic adventures, fighting fierce battles, right? well, hears your chance! a adventure all your own awaits you. Just follow your instincts as a gamer and do what comes naturally." They told Tomoko in a attempt to entice her to agreeing.
'Like killing everything that challenges you.' The being thought to them self.
"With my advice and that way of thinking, we'll both get our freedom." They said before stopping to let Tomoko take this all in.
'Epic adventures and fierce battles. just like a character from a anime or video game...' Tomoko stood there and thought about it. She had always dreamed and fantasized of one day living a life like that. It is one of the only desires she has that rivals her desire to be popular. Every night when she slept, every time in class or P.E when she daydreamed, she imagined what it was like to be like the heroes and protagonists she sees on TV and in games. But at the end of the day, she always reminded her self that such a thing is nothing but pure fantasy. That things like monsters, ghosts, demons, time travelers, espers, evil robots, etc. Where all just things exclusive to the world of stories, games, and TV shows. Yet hears a being (That is probably one of those things itself.) that's suggesting that those thing are real. And that she can finally live out her fantasy of being a protagonist that encounters and battles such creatures regularly on a incredible journey through a unknown world! To say that Tomoko was already casting away her suspicions of this individual just so she can take on the offer of a lifetime would be a understatement.
'Besides, he DID say (It IS a he, isn't it?) that we're trapped here and the only way to the exit is to go through these "monsters".' Tomoko thinks as she begins to agree to this guy's deal. However, there is still one thing that is bothering her.
"wait. I-if what you say is true and you're trapped here, then why did I see you standing at the entrance of the cave? Couldn't you just walk out of here? T-that was you, right?" She questioned the being before her. Still having difficulty letting go of that one seemingly contradictory fact regarding his story.
For a moment, he just stood there silently. His expression did not change. Though his cheery smile did falter slightly. This worried Tomoko that her question may have upset him in some way.
'Shit! Maybe asking that wasn't a good call. If he is some sort of supernatural being, it would probably be a bad idea to make him angry.' She thought as she starts getting the feeling she should be worrying about her own safety.
"...Yes. That was me you seen. It was also me that was following you through the forest." After what seemed like forever, the being finally spoke.
"The reason why I can do that, yet can't actually leave this place, is because I can project myself some distance away from here, but can never stray too far. You see, I'm a spirit, Tomoko. Specifically, I'm the spirit of one of the people that climbed this mountain and died in this cave. The reason why the monsters, my self, and now you can't just simply walk out of the mountain is because there is a barrier. It was erected by 7 humans who were gifted in magic after humanity won the war in order to make sure the monsters never escape. But I assure you. There are ways of crossing it. But I'll need your help to do it. And you'll need mine."
Tomoko was still a bit suspicious, but at least she got a answer, as well as some more info about this place and something about the identity of the boy to boot!
"So what do you say? Lets help each other out! You'll get to go on the adventure you always wanted and escape this place, and I'll finally be free to "pass on"! A fair deal, no?" The being finally finished and now patiently awaited the teen's answer.
She had some doubts about "passing on" being the only thing this boy wanted out of the deal. But the thought of adventure, as well of getting out of this place, quickly drowned out those doubts. Beside, this guy can apparently read her mind, so trying to question what other motives he has while she was right in front of him was probably a bad idea.
"O-okay. Its a deal." Tomoko said. Still rather unsure about trusting this person.
"Good." Was the last thing she heard from him before he disappeared and every thing went white.
"GAAHHH!" Tomoko woke up screaming from the sudden light.
"Huh? Where am I?" She looked around in order to get a idea of where she is now.
As she looks around, she takes note of the fact that this place looks more like what she imagined the bottom of the pit to look like. The place was about as wide as the pit, and the walls and ground where made of stone and dirt. When she looks up, she can see the light from the hole in the ceiling shining down onto her. But the most peculiar thing about this place was what she was laying on.
"Flowers?"
Around and underneath her where golden flowers. However, their was something odd about them. They where rather springy.
'Did these seriously broke my fall?' Tomoko wondered as she looked up and realized just how far she had fallen.
'T-there's no way these could have broken my fall even with there springiness! The ledge of the pit is 200 ft up at least!' she mentally stated as she looked at the point she had fallen from.
'And before, was that a dream? Crap! I forgot to ask for that kids name... Still, cryptic promise of adventure from a mysterious figure in the form of a dream, that's as anime as it gets!' Thought Tomoko as she ponders the dream she had.
As she got up from the flower bed, she began to notice more details about them. For one, the flowers had a border of grass surrounding them. And fit nicely in the middle of the spot of light. However, she also notices another, smaller patch of flowers to the side of it, right at the edge of the light spot .
'Odd.' The teen concluded as she went on to look for a way out.
She looked around the area she was in to see if she can find a path out of this place and begin her journey. It was kinda hard, as outside the spot of light in the center, the pit was rather dark. However she did noticed one area of wall that was darker then the rest. Upon approaching it, she could see it was in fact a passage way.
'Finally a way out! Oh ho, I wonder what kind of awesome adventure awaits me! Will I get magical powers? Learn how to use a legendary enchanted sword? Get badass armor and gear? Recruit a ragtag group of awesome (And sexy!) party mates whole make me there leader as we brave the perils and monsters of this underground world?' The awkward teen began running through the possibilities in her head. Fantasizing about what the adventure ahead will be like.
'And what about the monsters themselves? What are they like? Giant firebreathing dragons? Huge oni with clubs the size of trees? Vicious... Hungry... Hellhounds...
Terrifying. Murderous. Specters...
Giant. Venomous. Spiders...
Nightmarish. Undead. Horrors...
Ravenous. Monstrous. Sea monsters...'
Tomoko's momentum began to slow down as she started to really comprehend the situation she may have gotten her self into.
'I-it will be aright. That kid said he'll help me. Didn't he?'
She started to have doubts about continuing on. Until she realized that the alternative would be to spend the rest of her life in this small room until she ether died of thirst, hunger, or most horribly, one of the monsters that are supposed to roam this underground world wonders in there. Where she will have nowhere to run or hide to.
While she was contemplating her options, she decided to study the passage she was in. It was rather long and linear. When she reached its end, it made a sharp turn to the left. It is here she sees the first sign of monster civilization. Carved into the stone around it was a doorway. Two pillars frame the sides of the doorway while the top of it had some sort of emblem. The emblem consisted of a circle with bird wings on each side of it. As well as three triangles underneath with the two on the side pointing up and the one in the middle pointing down.
'Cool emblem! In adventure games and rpg, even the smallest of details in the beginning may become important later on. So I should try and remember this.' Tomoko thought as she studied it.
The room inside the doorway was almost pitch black due to the darkness, save for a beam of light in the middle of it similar to the one in the room she's in right now. Though she could see something was in the middle of the spotlight of that room as well.
"This is it. When I walk through this doorway, my adventure will finally begin!" Tomoko said as she prepares herself for the journey that awaits.
"Aright. Here we go!" She says as she steps into the next room.
As she approaches the light in the center, she begins to get a good look of what it is in the middle of it. It was a single flower, similar to the ones in the room before. However it was rather... Odd. It was much bigger then the other golden flowers. Being almost 3 ft tall! It also had... A face?
And it seemed to be moving...
"Howdy!"
And can talk!
"W-what!?" Tomoko exclaimed as she takes in the sight of a talking flower.
'I-is this one of the monsters that are supposed to be living in this mountain? Doesn't look that dangerous. Maybe it's like a starter enemy?' She thinks as she studies the creature before her. Having no idea as to what she's supposed to do.
"I'm Flowey. Flowey the flower!" "Flowey" introduces himself to Tomoko in a almost sickeningly cheery voice.
'Flowey!? Who the hell names a talking flower Flowey? I can think of at least 10 better names then that!' Tomoko mentally scoffs at Flowey's unoriginal name.
"Hmmm. You're new to the Underground, aren'tcha? Golly, you must be so confused." Flowey continued on.
'Seriously. This guy's voice alone just pisses me off! Even Yuu would probably get sick of how cheery it sounds! And who even seriously uses "golly" anymore anyways?' Tomoko continues on with her mental rant on her dislike for the flower. As usual however, she doesn't dare speak a word of it.
"Someone ought to teach you how things work around here! I guess little old me will have to do."
'How things work?' Tomoko wondered what Flowey had in store for her.
Ready? Here we go!"
Suddenly. She heard a strange beeping sound, followed by a unnatural pulling sensation on her chest.
"Huh? What!?" She exclaims form the sudden bizarre feeling only to look down and see something that startled her.
'A heart?' Floating in front of her chest was a small glowing grayish colored heart.
"See that heart? That is your soul, the very culmination of your being!" Flowey explained to Tomoko. However, she was too busy going through all the possible things it could mean, failing to pay attention to the rest of Flowey's explanation.
'My soul? I get it! He's going to infuse it with mystical powers so I can be a magic warrior! He's probably going to be my first party member and support me with earth and healing magic while we make our way through this place. Or maybe he's a messenger that will turn me into a magical girl so we can rescue other kids that are trapped here by the evil monsters. Or maybe-' "Hay! Are you even listening to me?" Tomoko was snapped out of her thoughts by Flowey shouting to her. staring at her with a slightly annoyed look on his face.
"...S-s-sorry..." The awkward teen timidly apologized to Flowey as she went back to paying attention to him.
"Now as I was saying. Your soul starts off weak, but can grow strong if you gain a lot of LV." Flowey went back to explaining.
'LV? Oh! He means level! This world really is like a video game!' The teen thought assuredly.
"What's LV stands for? Why-"
"I-I know! I-it stands for level!" Tomoko interjected her guess. Confident it was the right answer.
"Eh, no. It stands for LOVE." Flowey corrected.
"...Oh..." Tomoko said. Slouching in defeat.
"It's alright. You want some LOVE, don't you? don't worry, I'll share some with you!" Flowey said as he gave her a wink with a silly face.
'LOVE? Sharing it with people? What is this, a kids show? That weird kid didn't say anything about this! He made it sound serious and awesome. Not like some stupid Dora the explorer shit! My awesome adventure is not going to be some f #king kiddie show!' Tomoko thought angrily. Again failing to pay attention to Flowey.
Suddenly she was interrupted from her thoughts again. Though this time it was because strange white pellet-like objects went flying in her direction. Tomoko jumped to the side, dodging the projectiles at the last second. After recovering, she looked to Flowey only to see a very annoyed look on his face with a strained smile.
"Hey buddy, you missed them." Flowey said with mild strain in his voice.
"...What? I-I was... Su-supposed to g-get hit by them?" Tomoko said timidly.
"What? GAH! Where you NOT paying attention AGAIN!?" The flower said with a surprising amount of anger in his voice. Which made Tomoko flinch and recoil back.
"U-u-u-ummm..." Was the awkward teen's only response. Flowey was beginning to think he should just skip straight to the point with her.
After a long, deep, loud sigh. Flowey repeated his explanation again.
"Okay. Down here, LOVE is shared through, Do you hear me?" Tomoko nods her head yes. "Little white... "Friendliness Pellets". Understand?" Tomoko once again nods her head yes. The cheeriness in Flowey's voice is mostly gone, and is replaced with a tone that one would use to explain things to a scatterbrained and idiotic child. Which is honestly kind of the case here.
"Lets try again, okay? Collect as meny as you can!" Flowey's voice returns to it's usual cheeriness as more "Friendliness Pellets" appear over his head.
'Wait, how do I collect them? Do I just catch them with my hands? Do I try to angle my "soul" so that they hit it? Should I be letting those things hit something as important as my soul?' While contemplating the wisdom of letting "friendliness pellets" hit her soul, that line of thinking led to a more disturbing question.
'What if this is a trap?'
A chill ran down Tomoko's back as she began to connect the dots. 'Now that I think about it, why would a monster be so friendly to a human when it was humans that sealed them down here in the first place? Also, what kind of monster, even a flower monster, would go around with a name like "Flowey"? And this whole thing about "LOVE" and needing to fill it up with "Friendliness pellets" sounds a lot like bullshit if you ask me.' The gears began turning in her head as the "friendliness pellets" approach her.
'But if I dodge them again, what do I do from there? He'll know that I'm on to him and drop the act! He could just straight up kill me!' Tomoko began to step back from the approaching projectiles.
'But what if this really is how things work here and he just leaves me after that! What if I actually need him to survive this place!' The awkward teen began to panic as she contemplated what she should do.
It was when she was looking for an escape route that she noticed something. Surrounding both her and Flowey was what appeared to be a box. Or more specifically, a box-shaped frame. It was white and was almost as big as the room they where in. It was most definitely not there when she first walked into the room. Did Flowey summoned it without her noticing?
It was when the "friendliness pellets" where about to hit her that she made her choice out of instinct and ducked, having the pellets fly over her head. Disappearing from sight. Flowey was not pleased to say the least.
"Is this a joke? Are you braindead? RUN. INTO. THE. BULLETS! Er... "Friendliness pellets"." Flowey said with sudden and surprising amount of hostility that made Tomoko flinch and cower at his words.
However it was that slip up at the end that set off a red flag in the teen's head.
'Oh God! he is trying to trick me! What am going to do? I don't want to die to a flower!' She started to sweat and panic as she looked frantically for a way to escape.
Flowey launched another barrage of projectiles at Tomoko, going noticeably faster then the last waves. Though the awkward teen had a easier time dodging them since she no longer had any hesitation about avoiding them. Again they flew right past her and disappeared into the darkness. For a moment, Tomoko and Flowey just stood there. She really didn't have much of a choice, seeing as there was no obvious escape routes. Suddenly, Flowey's face morphed into a terrifying demonic grin, or snarl, she couldn't really tell. The sudden change made her blood run cold and her knees become weak. 'Oh no...'.
"You know what's going on here, don't you?" Flowey said in a cold, distorted voice that terrified her to her very core.
'Oh God! Oh no! Oh shitshitshitSHITSHIT!' Tomoko fallen on her rear and began to back away as fast as she can. That is until her back collided with... Nothing?
'what the!?' Tomoko looked back to see what looked like a transparent barrier that occupied the empty space between the frame of the box that surrounded them. It seemed like it was only visible when you touch it.
' SHIT! I am trapped here! How do I get out? Do I need to defeat him? Kill him?' Tomoko desperately tried to think of a way out of this situation as she moved away from the barrier and faced Flowey again.
"You just wanted to see me suffer." He accused Tomoko. She meanwhile was on her knees. Already crying as she faced him in sheer terror.
"N-n-n-n-n-NO! Is-i-i-is nu-nuph l-l-li-like da-a-at a-a-at all! I-i-i-ish, i-i-i-it's!" She stumbles over her words as she desperately tries to appease him. Already choking on her tears.
Suddenly a ring of bullets comes into existence around Tomoko. The box frame shrinking so as to only surround her, with Flowey looking on from outside.
"P-PLEASE! D-D-DO-DON'T K-KILL M-MME! I'll d-do wh-what-e-ev-er yo-you want!" She started begging frantically in a desperate attempt to live.
"Die." The psychotic flower said in a deathly cold voice as the ring began to shrink around her.
'No, NO! PLEASE DON"T KILL ME! I don't want to die! Help! SOMEONE HELP ME! Anyone! Please HELP!' Tomoko screamed inwardly. While outwardly she just screamed madly and incoherently. Her fingers digging into her tear-stained face as her eyes looking off in different directions. Flowey watched on, Laughing the most horrifying and demonic laugh she had ever heard.
But suddenly, as the bullets where about to make contact, they all burst into flames and are reduced to ash. It took a short while for Tomoko to notice, as she was to busy screaming in terror, but she gradually calmed down as she sees that the bullets are gone. She looks up at Flowey for an answer for why she is still alive, only to see that he seemed to be just as confused about this as she is. A fireball appears besides him without warning. He looks at it in confusion before it blasts him. Knocking him out of the ground, roots and all. And sends him flying into the darkness of the other side of the room. Finally, Tomoko's soul returns to her body and the white box frame disappears.
"...Wha?" Was all the teen could say on the situation before her savior finally showed them self.
"What a terrible creature. Torturing such a poor, innocent youth..." The being said with a soft, motherly voice as they showed them self.
Tomoko's relief quickly disappeared as she sees that her savior was also a monster. She was female judging by the appearance and voice, and looked like a anthropomorphic goat. A huge one at that! Towering over Tomoko at 6 or 7 ft tall. She was garbed in a purple robe with the same emblem on her chest that Tomoko saw over the doorway. She was barefoot with paw-like feet and hands, had white fur, small fangs visible in her mouth, small horns, and long ears. Tomoko was quite intimidated by this beings height alone. And after her encounter with Flowey, she wasn't too keen on trusting this monster even if she did save her life.
'She could just want me for herself!' The awkward teen reasoned as she prepared to get away the moment the monster made a move.
Upon seeing Tomoko getting up and backing away, the monster tried to ease her suspicions.
"Ah, do not be afraid, my child. I am Toriel, caretaker of the ruins." The monster, now known as Toriel, said in order to reassure her.
"I pass through this place every day to see if anyone has fallen down. You are the first human to-... Um." Toriel stopped mid-sentence after taking a whiff of the air, then looking down to where Tomoko was on the ground a moment before.
Tomoko look at the spot as well to see what it was that caught her attention. And on the ground where she sitting earlier was...
A puddle.
A yellow puddle.
A yellow puddle with a trail that leads to her shoes.
And to conform her worst suspicions, she looked down to see a wet spot on the crotch of her pants.
To say that Tomoko was mortified about the fact that Flowey's attack scared her so bad that she wet herself would be a grave understatement. And now she had a witness!
"O-oh my! I didn't think that monster scared you that badly. Don't worry, I believe I have something to help you." Toriel said with a notable amount of concern in her voice as she begins to fish around in the pockets of her robe.
'Don't. Patronize me!' Tomoko thought as she became red in the face. Tears forming in her eyes again with a pained smile on her face.
"Here. It's not much, but it should help clean you up." Toriel said as she offered a small hand towel to Tomoko.
The teen was hesitant to take the towel for several reasons. Partly because she is suspicious of Toriel and partly because her pride refuses her to take the pity and sympathy of others. But after a while of thinking, she finally relented and cautiously approach Toriel, takes the towel from her hand, and dash back into the room she came from for some privacy...
As she was cleaning herself off, Tomoko began to think about the series of events that has transpired since she got here.
'...My adventure barely started and already I nearly got murdered by a flower, pissed myself, and was saved by a giant goat person. I have thousands of hours of rpg experience! I should already be cleaning the grass stains of that asshole off my clothes by now! But instead, the only stains I'm cleaning are my own. Please, please don't let this be a premonition of things to come. My adventure should be great, no, glorious! Not... This.' The teen thought as she began to remove her pants to try and clean them.
'Wait! Maybe it was like a hopeless boss fight! I wasn't supposed to win. I start off weak and helpless now, but after I leveled up a lot and get all the really badass weapons and gear, I'll get a rematch with him! You better watch out Flowey! Because once I finally get properly acquainted with this world and how it works, I'll pluck you like the weed you are!' Thought Tomoko as her spirits and hopes for this adventure began to lift again.
'And that goat girl, Toriel was it? Whats her story? Is she trying to to trick me too? Hmm. maybe she could actually be my real first party member? Yes! That must be it. Not only can she use fire magic, she even looks like a magic user! I bet she even knows some healing spells as well. Yes. She will be a great supporting character on my journey. That is... assuming she isn't trying to trick me like Flowey did. Well, looks like it's Really time for my adventure to begin!' Tomoko concluded as she finishes cleaning herself the best she can...
Tomoko finally walked back into the room with the towel that Toriel gave her, looking much more chipper then when she left to clean herself. Sure, she still had a stain on her pants, and she reeked of urine, but she looked like she was doing better then she did earlier.
"Are you doing better now child?" Toriel asked the teen as she walked back to her.
"Um. Eh. Y-ye-a..." She responds timidly. Still rather embarrassed over the accident.
'I shouldn't trust her completely yet. I'll just play along until I figure out her real intentions.' Tomoko tells herself as she approaches Toriel cautiously.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?" The goat lady kindly asked.
"Um. T-Tomo-ko.. Kur-Kuroki." Tomoko replied.
"Tomoko? What a lovely name. If you please, let me guide you through the catacombs." Toriel offered her hand to Tomoko. And after a bit of hesitation, she shakily grabbed it.
Toriel then gently led Tomoko to a doorway on the other side of the room. It was identical to the doorway that the teen entered the room through save for the fact it was lavender in color.
The room beyond the door was very different form the rooms Tomoko had been in before. Almost the whole room was made from lavender colored bricks. with a lighter lavender path leading to a square in the middle that was framed by red leaves. A large pile of red leave lay in front of it with two white staircases on ether side of it. The staircases lead up to a elevated area that had a simple doorway carved into the lavender stone that was framed by vines with normal green leaves on them. Above the doorway was a stone manuscript who's text was indecipherable. While on ether side, two stone windows where carved into the wall. What was most odd about the room was the fact that it was well lit despite there being no obvious place for the light to come from, as if it where the stone itself that was giving off light.
'This is so cool! now where getting somewhere. but still, there's something I would like to know...' Tomoko thought as she looked up to Toriel.
"U-um. Wh-where are you t-taking me?" she asked her guide shyly.
Toriel looked down kindly to Tomoko.
"Well first, I am going to show you the ruins and how things work down here. Then I will take you to my home so you can get properly cleaned."
"Oh. O-okay..." The awkward teen replied back.
Tomoko was rather nervous of the prospect of being taken to Toriel's home, still unsure if she has something nefarious planed for her. But she continued on, wanting to finally start her adventure.
'This is it. My awesome fantastical adventure is really happening! I can't wait to see what thrills, challenges and wonders are in store for me. I can do this! This is where it begins!' Tomoko thought. Filled with determination...
Seeing the awkward little dork press on despite her fears and suspicions, it fills you with DETERMINATION.
